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Russian state-owned company Rosatom negotiates exploration of strategic minerals on Brazilian soil during Lula's visit to Moscow
During President Lula's official visit to Russia, Russian state-owned company Tenex, the commercial arm of Rosatom, revealed its interest in exploring Brazilian uranium and lithium reserves. The proposal was discussed in a meeting with the Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, and aims to strengthen strategic ties in key sectors of the energy transition.
Brazil on the global route for critical minerals
Brazil has consolidated itself as one of the countries with the greatest potential for supplying essential minerals for global energy transition. According to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the country is home to around 280 tons of uranium, one of the largest reserves in the world, but still little used economically. In addition, the country is among the six largest producers of lithium, with emphasis on the Jequitinhonha Valley in Minas Gerais, known as the “Lithium Valley”.
The meeting between Minister Silveira and Tenex CEO Sergey Polgorodnik reinforces the geopolitical relevance of Brazilian natural resources. As published by the portal Axes, the Russian company signaled its intention to establish long-term partnerships with Brazil, involving not only mining, but also strategic applications in nuclear energy.
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Uranium and lithium gain prominence in bilateral relations
The Russian move comes at a time of growing demand for uranium and lithium worldwide. Uranium is an essential input for the operation of nuclear power plants, while lithium is a key component in the manufacture of electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. Rosatom, through Tenex, already has active contracts with Brazil, such as the recent agreement between INB (Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil) and Internexco GmbH, part of the same Russian group.
This contract, signed in March, provides for the export of 275 thousand kilos of uranium concentrate from Caetité (BA) for enrichment in Russia. The material will return to Brazil by 2027, being destined to supply the Angra dos Reis nuclear power plant, as detailed by INB itself on its official website.
Brazil's strategic potential attracts new agreements
The international movement around Brazilian uranium and lithium reinforces the urgency of investments in infrastructure, regulation and technology to ensure that the benefits of this production chain remain in the country. Minister Silveira reiterated the government's commitment to developing the national clean energy chain, while reinforcing sovereignty over strategic mineral resources.
According to the portal Axes, Brazil seeks not only to export raw materials, but also to internalize stages of greater added value, promoting jobs and innovation in the energy sector.
Open path for future cooperation
The expectation is that new rounds of negotiations between Brazil and Russia advance in the coming months, especially in the areas of nuclear technology and energy transition. Lula's visit to the country served as a stage to strengthen mineral diplomacy and establish points of contact that can be transformed into concrete investments in the coming years.
With the discussions underway, uranium and lithium are consolidating themselves as central pieces on Brazil's geopolitical board, bringing the country closer to powers that see the national territory as a strategic opportunity to meet global demands for clean energy.
