Other plans include steelworks, modern farms and new cities. In 1994, Brazil was the eighth largest producer of steel in the world, ahead of such industrial powers as France, the UK and Canada. Brazilian steel mills produced over 25 million tons of raw steel in that year. The steel is used in other industries for making such things as cars and household goods. 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.