Experts and industry representatives gathered in Brasília at an event hosted by the Brazil-Canada Chamber of Commerce; regulatory frameworks, technological innovation, and ESG were key discussion topics

By Pedro Augusto

Mining is a strategic sector for the global economy, providing essential inputs for various industries, from civil construction to high-tech manufacturing. In Brazil, the abundance of mineral resources places the country in a privileged position in the international market, particularly in the production of critical minerals such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements. These materials are essential for energy transition, battery production, semiconductors, and other high-value-added applications.

According to Brazil’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, the relationship between Brazil and Canada in the mineral sector is indeed strategic due to its vast business potential. “Canada is a global benchmark in mining, not only because of its expertise in exploration and investment but also for its integrated approach with local communities and sustainable sector development. Brazil, with its vast mineral wealth, is working to enhance regulation and increase its presence in the value chain by incorporating technology and innovation into the exploration of strategic resources,” said Anderson Barreto Arruda, Director of the Department of Mineral Planning and Policy at the Ministry of Mines and Energy, during an event held in Brasília by the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC) on March 20. The event reflected on the outcomes of the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) conference.

PDAC stands out as the world’s leading mining industry conference. Held annually in Toronto, the event gathers experts, investors, and authorities to discuss trends, regulation, and innovation in the mining sector. In 2025, the debates emphasized the need to improve public policies, ensure legal certainty, and broaden access to capital markets—key points for Brazil’s competitiveness.

In Brazil, the demand for strategic minerals is growing rapidly, sparking discussions around regulation, sustainability, and investment opportunities. The Brasília Chapter, hosted at the Mattos Filho law firm office, brought together sector specialists and stakeholders last week to analyze the main topics discussed at the conference and anticipate upcoming challenges for 2026.

The event included participation from Brazilian and Canadian government officials, mining companies, investors, and law firms specializing in the sector. Topics such as technological innovation, ESG practices, and legal security in the mining industry were at the forefront.

In the panel “PDAC 2024 – Projections & Trends”, experts including Augusto Pires (ADIMB) and Guillaume Légaré (Toronto Stock Exchange & TSV Venture Exchange) analyzed the impact of the conference on Brazil.
“We had 2,000 visitors at the Brazil pavilion at PDAC, people looking for information. I receive all kinds of inquiries—partnerships in projects, technology, and business development. We had 28 companies and 4 institutions in the Brazilian delegation. These numbers show that we’re growing. We’re at PDAC to showcase Brazil to the world,” said Augusto Pires, Project Coordinator at the Brazilian Agency for Mineral Sector Development and Innovation.

The panel “PDAC 2025 – Corporate and Regulatory Sector Outlooks” featured Cinthia Rodrigues (Ibram), Adriano Drummond Trindade (Mattos Filho Advogados), and Carlos Borel (CBPM), discussing challenges and strategies to strengthen Brazilian mining. The session was moderated by Tiago de Mattos, coordinator of the CCBC Minas Gerais Chapter.

In her remarks, Cinthia Rodrigues, Research and Development Manager at the Brazilian Mining Institute (Ibram), said: “Investors continue to seek qualified information. At this year’s PDAC, we saw that Brazil is able to provide high-quality information from both government and private sector perspectives. The quality of information Brazil offers investors is improving, and that benefits the entire ecosystem. Many stakeholders are seeking this kind of interaction and integration.”

To conclude the event, participants had the opportunity to expand their networks and explore potential strategic partnerships. The Post-PDAC gathering reaffirmed the importance of Brazil-Canada cooperation in the mining sector and highlighted CCBC’s leadership in promoting key industry discussions.