Geoscientific knowledge and Public Policies in the development of the Brazilian mineral sector: The role of the Geological Survey of Brazil
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The generation of geoscientific knowledge is a fundamental requirement for the sustainable development of the mineral sector, supporting mineral exploration, public policies, territorial planning, and investment decision-making. This paper presents a succinct overview of the evolution of geoscientific knowledge generation by the Geological Survey of Brazil and its contribution to the development of the Brazilian mineral sector. The analysis covers the institutional trajectory from the creation of the Mineral Resources Research Company (CPRM) in 1969 to its consolidation as the Geological Survey of Brazil (SGB), providing a brief overview of geological mapping, geophysical and geochemical surveys, and mineral resource assessment over a 56-year period. Particular emphasis is given to the role of government policies and sectoral planning instruments in guiding the generation of pre-competitive geoscientific data and reducing geological uncertainty associated with mineral exploration investments. The paper presents recent initiatives to expand geological mapping coverage and mineral resource assessment through the Decennial Plan for Basic Geological Mapping and Mineral Resource Surveys (PlanGeo), which prioritize areas prospective for strategic minerals required for the development of green technologies associated with the energy transition, as well as potash and phosphate resources that are essential for fertilizer production and for strengthening the autonomy and competitiveness of Brazilian agribusiness. It further examines how emerging geopolitical challenges and mineral security concerns are reshaping priorities for geoscientific surveys and mineral resource assessment in Brazil. The results demonstrate that the systematic production and dissemination of geoscientific information constitute essential public goods, strengthening mineral exploration, supporting evidence-based public policies, and promoting the sustainable development of the Brazilian mineral sector. The experience of the SGB illustrates how geological surveys can transform geoscientific knowledge into public value and contribute to long-term national development strategies.
Institution: Serviço Geológico do Brasil - CPRM
Language: English
Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7223180304