As Brazil’s strategic mineral industry gains increasing global attention, Invest Minas plays a leading role in positioning Minas Gerais as a critical hub for innovation, investment, and sustainability. In this exclusive interview, Dr. João Paulo Braga, CEO of Invest Minas, shares insights into the state’s priorities, how lithium and other critical minerals fit into Brazil's green industrial future, and what lies ahead for the region known as Lithium Valley.

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NZC: As CEO of Invest Minas, you have played a central role in attracting major investments to the state. What role do critical minerals like lithium play in Minas Gerais' economic strategy?

João Paulo Braga: Lithium has become the "new gold" of the green economy—and Minas Gerais is right at the center of this movement. But it’s not just lithium: we are also strong in graphite, niobium, rare earths, and manganese, all essential to the energy transition. Companies like Sigma Lithium (lithium) and CBMM (niobium) exemplify our strength in this space. Our goal is clear: not only to mine but to industrialize, create skilled jobs, and position Minas as a leader in green technology.

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NZC: Minas Gerais holds the largest lithium reserves in Brazil. How is the state ensuring these resources are managed sustainably and responsibly, especially amid rising global demand?

João Paulo Braga: Responsible mining is a priority for us. We work closely with environmental agencies to ensure operations are low-impact, using advanced technology, tailings reuse, and environmental recovery. One of our biggest advantages is that over 90% of our electricity comes from renewable sources, making the entire supply chain cleaner. Investing here gives you a head start.

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NZC: The Brazil Lithium & Critical Minerals Summit is a key industry event. What are your main objectives for the Summit, and how do you see it contributing to Brazil's position in the global lithium market?

João Paulo Braga: The Summit is our showcase. It highlights that Minas is not just about mineral reserves—we are also about innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. Beyond presenting success stories, the event connects investors, junior miners, and global players. It’s where real partnerships are formed. This year, we’re expanding our focus beyond lithium to include other strategic minerals.

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NZC: How important is infrastructure development, such as energy and transport, to support the growth of lithium and critical mineral industries in Minas Gerais?

João Paulo Braga: Infrastructure is essential—and still a challenge. Minas has made significant progress with new investments by Cemig in energy and key highway concessions. But Brazil still needs a broader transformation in infrastructure to compete globally. We’re on the right path, but there is more work to do to keep pace with global demand.

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NZC: In your point of view, how does the growing global focus on critical minerals like lithium connect to the energy transition and climate change mitigation?

João Paulo Braga: There is no clean energy without critical minerals. Lithium for batteries, graphite for anodes, niobium for wind turbines—it all starts with mining. Here in Minas, we want to be part of the solution: supplying what the world needs to decarbonize, but doing so responsibly and with a long-term vision.

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NZC: Minas Gerais is traditionally known for its mineral wealth. How do you see the region evolving into a global hub for energy transition technologies?

João Paulo Braga: That transformation is already underway. AMG, for instance, produces lithium concentrate here and is planning a chemical conversion plant for lithium hydroxide—adding even more value locally. Boston Metal, a U.S. company, is developing clean metal production technologies and a circular economy project using mining waste in Minas.

Beyond companies, our transformation is driven by knowledge. Universities like Viçosa and Ouro Preto are heavily investing in clean energy technologies. SENAI is advancing innovation hubs that link technical training, industry, and applied R&D. Our vision is to build a complete ecosystem—from mine to industry, from research to technology—and make Minas a leader in the new energy economy.

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NZC: With significant investments flowing into Minas Gerais, what challenges does the state face in scaling up lithium and mineral production while maintaining high environmental and ethical standards?

João Paulo Braga: One major challenge is market volatility. Critical mineral prices fluctuate, so projects must be resilient even during downturns. Another is ensuring fast and reliable environmental licensing. We’ve made strides here, but streamlining the process while keeping it rigorous is key to sustainable growth.

We also see occasional political noise trying to stir controversy. These are isolated and often don’t reflect community sentiment. Most local communities view mining as a real opportunity for development. That’s why transparency and ongoing dialogue with communities are vital. Companies must engage early and often to build trust and maintain local support.

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NZC: What role do international partnerships, like the one with Lightning Minerals in Salinas, play in positioning Minas Gerais as a global leader in critical minerals?

João Paulo Braga: Partnerships like Lightning Minerals bring investment, technology, and open doors to global markets. They are essential to accelerate development, strengthen our value chain, and cement Minas Gerais as a global leader in critical minerals. We are betting heavily on more international collaborations like this.

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NZC: How are local communities benefiting from the growth of the lithium and critical minerals industry in Minas Gerais, both economically and in terms of job creation?

João Paulo Braga: The impact is visible in the numbers. In 2023, the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys saw 1,907 new companies open—an 18.45% increase over the previous year. In December alone, there was a 30.43% jump year-over-year. January 2025 saw a 72.73% increase in new business formalizations compared to January 2024.

This growth is directly linked to the expansion of the mining supply chain, particularly in Lithium Valley. The arrival of major projects is boosting local economies, stimulating small businesses in retail, food, lodging, transport, and services.

SEBRAE has played a key role, offering training and support to help local entrepreneurs seize these new opportunities. This economic momentum is also prompting people to return to the region, reconnect with their roots, and strengthen local communities.

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NZC: What is your long-term vision for the energy sector in Minas Gerais over the next 10 years, especially regarding strategic minerals like lithium, graphite, and niobium?

João Paulo Braga: Minas is already a renewable energy leader in Brazil, but consistent growth requires us to tackle a key challenge: energy storage. Efficient battery storage, especially for solar energy, will be essential to deal with intermittency and reduce pressure on transmission networks.

That’s where lithium and graphite become even more crucial. The greater our ability to store energy during peak production, the more effectively we can meet demand and balance the energy matrix.

Minas has all the conditions to lead in this new phase, which isn’t just about generation but smart storage. This shift will involve large-scale projects as well as distributed systems and regional solutions. It’s a movement that ties together mining, innovation, and clean energy in a strategic way for our future.

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NZC: As demand for critical minerals accelerates, how do you see Minas Gerais balancing economic growth with environmental conservation, particularly in sensitive areas like Lithium Valley?

João Paulo Braga: Balancing growth with environmental stewardship requires smart regulation, strong oversight, and constant innovation. We’re focused on promoting low-impact mining, efficient resource use, and full environmental recovery of mined areas.

But the challenge isn’t just environmental. We want Lithium Valley to be a global example—not only of sustainability but of social transformation. Our commitment is to ensure that mining development leads to tangible improvements in people’s lives: more jobs, thriving small businesses, stronger education, better infrastructure, and higher quality of life in local communities.

The true energy transition must also be a social transition.

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NZC: Looking ahead, what innovations or emerging technologies do you believe will shape the future of the lithium industry, and how is Minas Gerais preparing to lead in these areas?

João Paulo Braga: Battery recycling, low water and energy-consumption mining, and new energy storage technologies will be key in the coming years. These innovations will reshape the entire lithium and strategic minerals value chain.

Minas is strategically positioning itself to lead this evolution. We’re attracting top-tier companies and connecting them with universities, startups, and innovation ecosystems. Our goal is to be at the forefront of a new era in mining and clean energy—an era driven by sustainability, collaboration, and technology.

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Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews from leaders shaping the future of energy and sustainability at The Net-Zero Circle.

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