Presidential Decree No. 231/16 classifying as strategic minerals the rare metals and earth elements.

This Presidential Decree, consisting of 5 articles, establishes the classification of the rare metals and rare earth elements as strategic minerals, as they fulfill the requirements established in article 20 of the Mining Code. It establishes the environmental standards, dealing namely with rarity, international demand dimension, impact on the economy, job creation, influence on the balance of payments, relevant importance for advanced technology, which will be subject to the regime established in the Mining Code for strategic minerals and other applicable standards.