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Mineral Resources |
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Brazil is known to possess extremely rich mineral deposits, although the country's resources have yet to be comprehensively surveyed. Brazil has proven and estimated reserves of iron ore totalling 48 billion tons. Of the total iron ore reserves, 18 billion tons are located in the Carajás mountain range (Serra dos Carajás) in the eastern part of the Amazon. The mine at Carajás went into production in 1985. Identified deposits are sufficient to supply the world demand for iron (based on current levels and predictable growth) for the next 500 years. In addition to iron ores Brazil has proven deposits of 208 million tons of manganese, 2 billion tons of bauxite, and 53 million tons of nickel with a new discovery in the state of Goiás which could amount to more than 400 million tons.
 The recent confirmation of the existence of large, high-grade (1.3 percent) uranium reserves in the states of Minas Gerais and Goiás is of great significance. Brazil possesses reserves of potassium phosphate, tungsten (an element used for hardening steel), cassiterite (the chief source of tin), lead, graphite, chrome, gold, zirconium (a strong ductile metallic element with many industrial uses), and the rare mineral, thorium, a radioactive metallic element. Brazil produces 90 percent of the world's supply of gems, such as diamonds, aquamarines, topazes, amethysts, tourmalines, and emeralds.
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