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The National Mining Agency, which regulates the mining-title process: permits, reports, registrations of assignments, TAH, RAL, CFEM and systems such as SIGMINE and SOPLE. The acronym DNPM appears in older acts, such as DNPM Ordinance 155/2016, which is still cited.
Decreto 9.406/2018; Portaria DNPM 155/2016
Creates the Brazilian Mineral Resources and Reserves System. Makes mandatory, in the Final Exploration Report and the PAE, the concepts of exploration potential, resource (Inferred, Indicated, Measured), reserve (Probable, Proved) and modifying factors, prepared by a qualified professional. In force since 7 Aug 2022.
Res. ANM 94/2022, arts. 4 e 5
Total or partial transfer of a permit, concession or permission, provided the assignee meets constitutional and legal requirements, including being Brazilian or a company organised under Brazilian law with head office and management in Brazil. It is valid only once registered.
Decreto 9.406/2018, art. 42; CF, art. 176, §1
A sample without the element of interest inserted into a batch to detect contamination in preparation and assay. A control named in JORC Table 1 (blanks).
JORC 2012, Table 1, seção 1
The in-situ mass per unit volume used to convert volume to tonnage. Table 1 asks whether it was assumed or determined, the method, wet or dry, frequency and representativeness, measured in a way that accounts for voids, moisture and differences between rock and alteration zones.
JORC 2012, Table 1, seção 3
A carbonate igneous rock that hosts, among others, niobium deposits. According to USGS, most of the world's identified niobium resources occur as pyrochlore in carbonatite deposits.
USGS MCS 2026, Niobium
The Brazilian Committee for Mineral Resources and Reserves, Brazil's national reporting organisation, a CRIRSCO member since 2015. The CBRR Guide (2022 edition) is the CRIRSCO-recognised document and the reference for public statements under ANM Resolution 94/2022.
Res. ANM 94/2022, art. 5; CRIRSCO (membros)
A sample of known grade inserted into a batch to measure laboratory accuracy. One of the controls named in JORC Table 1 (standards).
JORC 2012, Table 1, seção 1
Financial Compensation for Mineral Exploitation, owed on production and sale. Rates under Law 13,540/2017: iron 3.5%; bauxite, manganese, niobium and rock salt 3%; gold 1.5%; other substances 2%, including rare earths, lithium and titanium. Base: gross sale revenue less taxes.
Lei 13.540/2017; ANM, FAQ CFEM
Measures that protect sample integrity from collection to laboratory. In JORC the item is called sample security, and Table 1 asks for the measures taken.
JORC 2012, Table 1, seção 1
Survey of the hole collar position and of deviation along the hole. Table 1 asks for the accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate holes, trenches and workings in the estimate, and the grid system used.
JORC 2012, Table 1, seção 1
Under JORC, a minerals industry professional who is a Member or Fellow of AusIMM, AIG or a Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO) with disciplinary powers, with at least five years' relevant experience in the style of mineralisation or type of deposit and in the activity undertaken. JORC does not require independence.
JORC 2012, cl. 9 e 11; ASX LR 5.22
The international committee that brings together national reporting organisations (JORC, CIM, PERC, SAMREC, SME, CBRR and others). Its reporting template underpins aligned categories (Inferred, Indicated, Measured; Probable, Proved) across member codes.
JORC 2012, introdução; Res. ANM 94/2022, art. 5
The minimum grade adopted to include material in a resource or reserve estimate. Under JORC, the reasonable-prospects disclosure must discuss the technical and economic support for the cut-off assumptions.
JORC 2012, cl. 20
The record of primary drill-hole data. Table 1 asks for documentation of primary data, data-entry procedures, verification and storage (physical and electronic), and discussion of any adjustment to assay data.
JORC 2012, Table 1, seção 1
A second sample from the same position, or the second half, used to measure the precision and representativeness of sampling. Table 1 cites field duplicate and second-half results.
JORC 2012, Table 1, seção 1
A structure in which the investor earns an interest in the project by funding exploration in stages. Market practice, with no specific rule.
Prática de mercado (fonte secundária)
Accompanies the mining application, with a description of processing facilities, reserve and production indicators, and a mine closure plan. Note: PAE also denotes the dam Emergency Action Plan, a distinct requirement under Law 14,066/2020.
Decreto 9.406/2018, art. 32; Lei 14.066/2020
A charge on a mining right, such as security. The ANM regulates by resolution the cases of encumbrance and its registration. Law 14,514/2022 widened the titles that may be given as security.
Decreto 9.406/2018, art. 44; Lei 14.514/2022
A deposit of value with a third party, released when a condition is met. In Brazilian mining law, the natural condition is registration of the assignment with the ANM, without which it is not valid. Market practice.
Código de Mineração, art. 55, §1; prática de mercado
The application to the ANM for an exploration authorisation. It is not assignable: DNPM Ordinance 155/2016 excludes the exploration application, licence registration and PLG from assignment.
Portaria DNPM 155/2016, art. 224, §3
The exploration authorisation title. Valid for up to 4 years, extendable for an equal period; more than one extension only in the cases set by regulation. The term was up to 3 years before Law 14,514/2022.
Código de Mineração, art. 22, III (Lei 14.514/2022)
The Brazilian classification category preceding resources: mineralisation with insufficient knowledge to declare it a resource. Its concept is mandatory in the Final Exploration Report and PAE. In JORC terms, the comparable estimate is the Exploration Target.
Res. ANM 94/2022, art. 4; JORC 2012, cl. 17
Data and information generated by exploration programmes that are not a resource or reserve estimate, such as outcrop sampling, assays of drill-hole intersections, geochemistry and geophysics. Public reports must give enough information for a balanced judgement of their significance.
JORC 2012, cl. 18-19; ASX LR 5.7
A statement or estimate of the exploration potential of a deposit, quoted as a range of tonnes and a range of grade, for mineralisation with insufficient exploration to define a Mineral Resource. The terms Resource or Reserve must not be used in this context; a cautionary statement and Competent Person statement are required.
JORC 2012, cl. 17
A comprehensive technical and economic study of the selected development option, with detailed Modifying Factors and detailed financial analysis, sufficient to demonstrate that extraction is reasonably justified.
JORC 2012, cl. 40
The report of the exploration work and results, submitted within the permit's term; omission leads to cancellation of the title. Once the RFP is approved, the holder has one year to apply for mining, extendable for an equal period, and may negotiate the right in that time.
Código de Mineração, arts. 22, V e 31; Decreto 9.406/2018, arts. 25 e 28
A mineralisation estimate prepared under a code other than the reporting code, such as one in a Brazilian Final Exploration Report. The ASX allows its disclosure with source, date, category differences, reliability and a verification programme, and NI 43-101 accepts an acceptable foreign code, with reconciliation.
ASX LR 5.11-5.12; NI 43-101, item 7.1
A prior estimate not verified as a resource or reserve under the current code. It requires disclosure of source, date and category differences, and does not go into scoping, pre-feasibility or feasibility studies.
NI 43-101, item 2.4; ASX LR 5.12
The part of a Mineral Resource estimated with sufficient confidence to allow the application of Modifying Factors in sufficient detail to support mine planning and evaluation of the economic viability of the deposit.
JORC 2012, cl. 22
The part of a Mineral Resource whose quantity and grade are estimated on limited geological evidence and sampling: the evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade continuity. There is no direct link from an Inferred Mineral Resource to any category of Ore Reserve.
JORC 2012, cl. 21
One of the three S-K 1300 studies. It supports the disclosure of resources, not reserves. The Preliminary Feasibility and Feasibility Studies can support reserves.
SEC S-K 1300 (Small Entity Compliance Guide)
A rare-earth deposit type in clays, with adsorbed elements. USGS records that heavy rare earths are elevated in some ores, including ion-adsorption clays, and that a mine in Brazil produced mixed concentrates from ionic clays with elevated terbium and dysprosium.
USGS MCS 2026, Rare Earths (Heavy)
An association between parties to develop the project, here usually through a Brazilian company, since the title may only be held by a Brazilian or a company organised under Brazilian law. Market practice.
CF, art. 176, §1; prática de mercado
Table 1 asks for the nature, quality and appropriateness of laboratory and assay procedures (partial or total technique). Facility accreditation appears as a criterion in the code's diamond guidelines. JORC does not name a specific accreditation standard.
JORC 2012, Table 1, seção 1 e diretrizes para diamantes
The Law 6,567/78 regime for sand, gravel, crushed stone, clay, corrective limestone, ornamental and cladding rock and carbonates, in areas up to 50 ha. Available to the landowner or someone authorised by them; it requires a municipal licence and registration with the ANM.
Lei 6.567/78, arts. 1 a 3
Preliminary Licence (feasibility and location), Installation Licence and Operating Licence, the sequential environmental licences. The environmental licence does not accompany the mining application but is presented before the grant. Definition of phases: secondary source.
Decreto 9.406/2018, art. 31; Chambers Mining 2026 (secundária)
The part of a Mineral Resource estimated with confidence sufficient to allow the application of Modifying Factors to support detailed mine planning and final evaluation of economic viability. It is the highest geological confidence category.
JORC 2012, cl. 23
A concentration or occurrence of solid material of economic interest in such form, grade (or quality) and quantity that there are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction. It is sub-divided, in increasing order of geological confidence, into Inferred, Indicated and Measured.
JORC 2012, cl. 20; NI 43-101, item 1.1
The act granting the mining concession, by Ordinance of the Minister of Mines and Energy; for substances under Law 6,567/78, by ANM Resolution. The environmental licence is presented before the grant.
Decreto 9.406/2018, arts. 31 e 33
Considerations used to convert Mineral Resources to Ore Reserves: mining, processing, metallurgical, infrastructure, economic, marketing, legal, environmental, social and governmental factors.
JORC 2012, cl. 29
A royalty on net smelter return, retained by the seller. Not to be confused with CFEM, the compensation owed by law. Market practice; percentages and buy-back are contractual.
Prática de mercado; CFEM: Lei 13.540/2017
The economically mineable part of a Measured and/or Indicated Mineral Resource, including dilution and losses, defined by a Pre-Feasibility or Feasibility Study applying Modifying Factors. A Scoping Study cannot support an Ore Reserve.
JORC 2012, cl. 29 e 37-38
Permissão de Lavra Garimpeira (garimpeiro mining permit), a distinct mining title. Like licence registration, it is excluded from application assignment by DNPM Ordinance 155/2016 and subject to the RAL.
Portaria DNPM 155/2016, art. 224, §3; gov.br/anm (RAL)
A comprehensive study of options for the technical and economic viability of a project, with a preferred mining method or pit configuration and an effective processing method established, plus financial analysis. With the Feasibility Study, it is the minimum level for an Ore Reserve.
JORC 2012, cl. 29 e 39
The NI 43-101 study that may include Inferred resources, with cautionary language. It does not support reserves.
NI 43-101, item 2.3(3)
The economically mineable part of an Indicated and, in some circumstances, a Measured Mineral Resource. Confidence in the Modifying Factors is lower than for a Proved Ore Reserve.
JORC 2012, cl. 30
The economically mineable part of a Measured Mineral Resource. It implies a high degree of confidence in the Modifying Factors; it is the highest-confidence reserve category and may not be achievable in some styles of mineralisation.
JORC 2012, cl. 31
A right to acquire the asset on defined terms and within a defined period, usually with staged payments and exclusivity. It is not an act of alienation: it is not registered with the ANM and does not change the holder. A market-practice structure.
Decreto 9.406/2018, arts. 42 e 44; prática de mercado
The mineral in which most of the world's identified niobium resources occur, in carbonatite deposits.
USGS MCS 2026, Niobium
Quality assurance and control of sampling and assaying. JORC asks for the nature of the quality-control procedures (standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (lack of bias) and precision were established.
JORC 2012, Table 1, seção 1
Under NI 43-101, an engineer or geoscientist with at least five years in mineral exploration, mine development or operation, or mineral project assessment, relevant experience for the project and membership of a professional association with disciplinary power. S-K 1300 uses the same figure, with five years in the type of mineralization and deposit.
NI 43-101, item 1.1; SEC S-K 1300
Annual Mining Report (Relatório Anual de Lavra). Mandatory for mining concessions, licence registrations, PLG, extraction registrations, Utilisation Permits and manifests.
gov.br/anm (RAL)
The condition for declaring mineralisation as a Mineral Resource, to be justified by the Competent Person, with technical and economic support for the cut-off assumptions. A Mineral Resource is not an inventory of everything drilled or sampled regardless of cut-off grade.
JORC 2012, cl. 20; ASX LR 5.6
An organisation on the list available on the JORC and ASX websites, with enforceable disciplinary processes including powers to suspend or expel members. Membership of an RPO is one route to being a Competent Person.
JORC 2012, cl. 11
Registration with the ANM without which acts of alienation or encumbrance of a concession are not valid. For permits, licence registrations and PLG, the basis is Decree 9,406/2018. A purchase option is not an act of alienation: it is not registered and does not change the holder.
Código de Mineração, art. 55, §1; Decreto 9.406/2018, arts. 42 e 44
The Brazilian Mineral Resources and Reserves System, created by ANM Resolution 94/2022. Submission of statements is voluntary. Reports predating the rule use the old regime's 'measured/indicated/inferred reserve', which do not equate to CRIRSCO categories.
Res. ANM 94/2022
An order-of-magnitude technical and economic study of the potential viability of Mineral Resources. It must not be used as the basis for estimating Ore Reserves; it serves to justify progress to a Pre-Feasibility Study.
JORC 2012, cl. 37-38
The ANM's free geographic platform with polygons of active and inactive mining processes, leases, blocked areas and garimpeiro reserves, in shapefile and KMZ, with data generated daily. It allows checking a title's position.
dados.gov.br, SIGMINE (ANM)
The ANM's Public Offer and Auction System for areas. Released or extinguished areas are made available in public-offer rounds; with more than one interested party, an electronic auction for the highest value follows.
Decreto 9.406/2018, art. 45; Res. ANM 24/2020
The owner of the land surface. The mining right belongs to the Union and is distinct from the surface, which is on the property registry entry. An agreement with the surface owner is required, and asset due diligence checks the registry besides the ANM file.
Código de Mineração, art. 27; Lei 6.567/78, art. 2
The checklist of criteria a Competent Person must consider in preparing documentation and the public report (sampling, data, estimation, Modifying Factors). Comments follow an 'if not, why not' basis and are required in public reporting for significant projects on first reporting.
JORC 2012, Table 1; ASX LR 5.7
Annual per-hectare fee (Taxa Anual por Hectare) on the exploration authorisation, with progressive values and annual IPCA indexation. Not to be confused with CFEM, which applies to production.
Código de Mineração, art. 20, II; Decreto 9.406/2018, arts. 47 e 80; Res. ANM 230/2026
A hole drilled next to an existing hole to verify its intersections. Table 1 lists the use of twinned holes among the verification of sampling and assaying.
JORC 2012, Table 1, seção 1
ANM authorisation for exceptional extraction before the mining concession, in the cases of ANM Resolution 37/2020 (viability assessment, industrial tests), with one extension.
Decreto 9.406/2018, art. 24; Res. ANM 37/2020
Code definitions cite the code (JORC 2012, NI 43-101, S-K 1300); regulatory terms cite the Brazilian rule. Market practice without a rule is marked as such. Mineralogy and metallurgy terms without a primary source we read are left out. Reviewed 24 Sep 2026; the JORC cited is the 2012 edition, with a new edition being finalised.