Goiás has strengthened its position as a significant player in Brazilian mining by hosting the third edition of Brasmin and the 9th National Meeting of Medium and Small Mining between June 24 and 26 in Goiânia. The state stands out for its richness in strategic minerals such as Copper, Nickel, Niobium, Rare Earths, and Phosphate, in addition to its expressive potential in Agrominerals, which are fundamental for agribusiness, an already prominent sector in Goiás.
Lívia Parreira, Strategic Projects Manager at the State Secretariat of Industry, Commerce, and Services (SIC-GO), highlighted mining’s contribution to regional development.
“It is of paramount importance, given the economic and social development that mining provides in the region where it is established, which can be measured by development indices. We can cite the municipalities of Catalão, Alto Horizonte, and Barro Alto as examples,” explains Lívia, who also mentioned the Carina Rare Earths Project, which is developing its technological route in Aparecida de Goiânia, with the industry planned for Nova Roma, indicating innovations and investments in the sector.
At the opening of Brasmin, Governor Ronaldo Caiado emphasized the sector’s economic potential. “Today, Goiás is a state that is growing increasingly in the national scenario with ever-greater production. Furthermore, we made progress with the identification of large rare earth mines, which is becoming the most disputed metal worldwide,” explained the governor.
Caiado advocated for the need to advance in the beneficiation of ore within the state, instead of focusing only on the export of raw product. This aims to generate development, income, and quality of life, in alignment with environmental responsibility. He recalled the mapping of mineral resources carried out by Metago, which confirmed the richness of Goiás’ subsoil.
Data from 2023 from the National Mining Agency (ANM) indicates Goiás as a national reference, with the Nominal Value Mineral Production exceeding R$ 10.6 billion, and the Beneficiated Production totaling R$ 10.2 billion. The state holds the third position in the national ranking, behind only Minas Gerais and Pará. Goiás mining leads the country in the production of nickel, niobium, and vermiculite, being second in phosphate and copper, and third in aluminum, all essential commodities for industry and energy transition.
Among the main municipalities in Goiás for mineral exploration are:
- Alto Horizonte, in northern Goiás, known for copper production.
- Barro Alto, in the Vale do São Patrício, a leader in nickel and bauxite.
- Catalão, in the south of the state, standing out in niobium, phosphate, and potassium.
- Ouvidor, also in the south, with vermiculite.
- Crixás, in the northwest, with potential in gold extraction.
Canva/IGNEABR Edition
