Challenges and Opportunities for the Development of Urban Mining in Brazil

This review article explores the challenges and opportunities for the development of urban mining in Brazil, differentiating its context from that of other regions, such as Europe, where the focus predominantly lies on the security of supply of critical metals. In Brazil, however, waste management and social inclusion are primary motivators. The methodology employed a critical analysis of the scientific literature retrieved from the Web of Science platform, using targeted searches for technological processes and the Brazilian scenario, complemented by an analysis of legislative evolution and a Critical Discourse Analysis of national policies. The results indicate that, despite advanced legislation, significant gaps exist between discourse and practice, highlighting the need for technological appropriation, specific public policies that incentivize reverse logistics and the integration of the informal sector, and overcoming infrastructural challenges. It concludes that Brazil has a unique opportunity to develop an urban mining model that pioneeringly integrates environmental sustainability, technological innovation, and social inclusion, demanding coordinated efforts to overcome existing barriers.