XX Case Study—Thorium resources and reserves in Brazil and the application of UNFC-2009

This study examines the thorium resources and reserves in Brazil, focusing on their historical context, current status, and potential future applications, particularly in nuclear energy framework. The objective is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the thorium deposits within the country and to assess their viability based on the United Nations Framework Classification for Fossil Energy and Mineral Reserves and Resources (UNFC-2009). The methodology involves a review of historical mining activities related to thorium, primarily sourced from monazite, alongside data collection from various geological surveys and databases, including the IAEA Thorium Deposits database. The study reveals that Brazil has significant thorium resources with estimated monazite quantities ranging between 435 to 730 metric tons across several states. Although the demand for thorium has been relatively low, recent interest in thorium-based nuclear reactors suggests that these deposits may experience a resurgence in exploration and utilization. Overall, this research highlights the importance of reevaluating Brazil's thorium deposits for future nuclear energy applications, as well as their potential in the context of rare earth element production.