Final Exploration Reports (RFPs) approved by the National Mining Agency (ANM) constitute one of the main indicators of the evolution of Brazilian mining activity and the maturation of ongoing mining processes.
The approval of an RFP represents the ANM’s recognition that the exploration works conducted were sufficient to prove the existence of a mineral deposit and demonstrate its potential for economic exploitation. This is a fundamental stage within the mining cycle, as it grants the process titleholder the right to advance to subsequent phases.
In the first four months of 2026, the ANM approved 305 Final Exploration Reports. The distribution of these reports allows for an accurate evaluation of the dynamics of mining activity within the national territory, indicating the regions where successful processes are most heavily concentrated.
National Panorama
The monthly trend in approvals demonstrates a consistent pace of process analysis by the ANM.
| Month | Approved reports |
| January | 73 |
| February | 93 |
| March | 103 |
| April | 36 |
| Total | 305 |
The volume of 103 approvals registered only in the month of March represents the peak of publications observed during the analyzed period, accounting for approximately 34% of all reports approved in the four-month period.th period.
The States with the Highest Concentration of Maturing Projects
The top five positions in the ranking account for nearly 60% of all approvals registered in the country, totaling 179 approved Final Exploration Reports.
- With 68 approved reports and a 22.3% share of the national total, Paraná occupies the first position in the ranking.
- Goiás and Mato Grosso combine for 45 approvals in the analyzed period.
The relevance of these states reflects the growth of projects linked to strategic minerals, gold, copper, phosphate, and substances associated with the energy transition, a segment that has been attracting growing investments both in Brazil and abroad.
What to Expect in the Coming Months?
Although the approval of a Final Exploration Report does not automatically guarantee the implementation of a mine, it represents a fundamental step within the mineral development process.
Therefore, monitoring these indicators helps anticipate trends related to:
- New applications for exploitation;
- Expansion of mining activity in certain regions;
- Demand for environmental licensing;
- Growth of the portfolio of projects under development;
- Future movements of the mineral market.
Analysis based on official ANM data extracted from the Cadastro Mineiro System, referring to the period from January to April 2026.
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Chart: Diego Santos
