So, Brazil's iron ore resources not only earn money through the export trade, but also form the basis for Brazil's industrial growth. Brazil is a major producer of several other metals. Brazil exports much of its niobium to North America, Europe and Japan. As yet, Brazil is not a major producer of oil and natural gas. Most of its present production comes from offshore wells near the Campos region of Rio de Janeiro.
Brazil produces only a small amount of coal.
Brazil's rivers have the potential to produce 255 million kilowatts of electricity. The biggest scheme of all is at Itaipu on the Paran River near the Igua Falls. The output is shared between Brazil and Paraguay. The Tucuru Dam on the Tocantins River in Par can produce 3.9 million kilowatts. When completed, another 7.7 million kilowatts will have been added.