India and Brazil Sign MoU to Strengthen and Secure Steel Supply Chain
The MoU is expected to facilitate technology-driven improvements in mineral processing, beneficiation, recycling, and data-led exploration
India and Brazil have taken a significant step towards strengthening global steel supply resilience by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in mining and mineral resources critical to the steel sector.
The agreement was signed between the Ministry of Steel, Government of India and the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Brazil at Hyderabad House, New Delhi, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Institutional Framework for Steel Cooperation
The MoU establishes an institutional framework to deepen bilateral collaboration across the entire steel value chain, with a focus on ensuring reliable and sustainable availability of raw materials essential for steel production.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The partnership will focus on:
- Attracting investments in exploration, mining, and infrastructure development related to the steel sector
- Advancing mineral processing and recycling technologies
- Promoting automation and adoption of advanced exploration and mining technologies
- Leveraging artificial intelligence for geoscientific data analysis and improved exploration outcomes
- Sharing best practices in mineral extraction, processing, and environmental management
Strategic Importance
Brazil is one of the world’s leading producers of iron ore and holds substantial reserves of steelmaking minerals such as manganese, nickel, and niobium. Enhanced cooperation is expected to improve India’s access to critical raw materials and advanced technologies necessary for long-term growth of its steel industry.
India currently has a steelmaking capacity of about 218 million tonnes, and with infrastructure expansion and rapid industrialisation driving demand, domestic steel companies are undertaking major capacity additions.
Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience
The MoU is expected to facilitate technology-driven improvements in mineral processing, beneficiation, recycling, and data-led exploration. Officials noted that the partnership will help ensure efficient preparation of steelmaking inputs while enhancing sustainability and resilience across the India–Brazil steel supply chain.
