The National Department of Mineral Production - DNPM, an autonomous agency related to the Ministry of Mines and Energy, is pleased to present the Mineral Summary – 2004.

The Series of the Mineral Summary, initiated in 1981 consolidates studies on Mineral Economy and analyses the performance of 50 (fifty) selected mineral substances, including petroleum and gas, natural, which represent over 90,0% of the value of the mineral production of the Country. It is worth highlighting that, with a view at promoting the democratisation of access to information concerning the Brazilian Mineral Sector, the DNPM has the full study available for download at: http://www.dnpm.gov.br/dnpm_legis/smen2004.html.

Finally, we have to recognise and thank for the endeavour of the experts in charge of the studies of each mineral good, as well as of the technical co-ordination, of the team of support civil servants, employees and sectoral companies, which contributed information for the preparation of this significant product of the DIDEM - Direction of Development and Mineral Economy of the DNPM: Mineral Summary - 2004.