G20 Backs On-Site Mineral Processing as Lula Presses Sovereignty and UN-Led AI Rules

Overview

• The South African G20 presidency secured a first-ever leaders’ document on critical minerals urging beneficiation in countries of origin, according to Brazilian officials.
• In the summit’s final thematic session, Lula cast control over knowledge and value in mineral supply chains as a question of national sovereignty and called for responsible investment.
• He spotlighted Brazil’s new Council of Critical and Strategic Minerals (CMCE) to shift the country from raw-material exports to partnership in global value chains.
• Lula said the energy sector accounted for 85% of 2024 growth in demand for critical minerals, while industry group Ibram estimates Brazil holds roughly 10% of global reserves.
• Linking technology to inclusion, he urged United Nations–centered governance of AI to avoid “digital colonialism” and held bilateral meetings before departing for a working visit to Maputo.