Tordesillas (1494) And Madrid (1750): The Boundary Treaties Between The Kingdoms Of Portugal And Spain That Shaped Brazil's Mineral Wealth And Diversity And Their Implications For The Twenty-First Century

Abstract:Background: This study examines the consequences of two boundary treaties signed between Portugal and Spainthat established the foundations of Brazil’s territorial configuration and contributed to the formation of themineral wealth and diversity found within its subsoil. Initially, it presents the historical antecedents thatculminated in the signing of the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494. Subsequently, it describes the events andcircumstances that fostered the territorial expansion of the former Portuguese overseas colony, resulting in thesigning of the Treaty of Madrid in 1750. Finally, it investigates how the territorial formation process thatoccurred between the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries contributed to the availability of mineral resources withinBrazilian territory. The general objective of this study is to analyze how the Treaties of Tordesillas (1494) andMadrid (1750), concluded between Portugal and Spain, contributed to the establishment of a broad anddiversified mineral resource base in Brazil, as well as to discuss the implications of this territorial legacy in thetwenty-first century.Materials and Methods: This research adopted a qualitative approach aimed at investigating the potential ofBrazil’s mining sector to promote the country’s economic and industrial development. As a methodologicalprocedure, a bibliographic and documentary review was conducted, involving the consultation of sourcesclassified into three categories: (1) sources presenting historical facts related to the signing of the Treaty ofTordesillas; (2) sources describing the events that enabled Brazilian territorial expansion beyond the TordesillasLine, culminating in the signing of the Treaty of Madrid; and (3) sources demonstrating the mineral wealth anddiversity found within the Brazilian subsoil and their implications in the twenty-first century.Results: The findings indicate that Brazil possesses significant potential to consolidate its position as a globalleader in the commercialization of mineral resources that are essential for the production of high-technologygoods and services. The territorial expansion achieved through the historical processes associated with theTreaties of Tordesillas and Madrid contributed to the incorporation of extensive mineral-rich regions, providingthe country with a strategic reserve of natural resources that remains highly relevant in contemporary economicand technological contexts.Conclusion: The study concludes that the territorial legacy resulting from the Treaties of Tordesillas and Madridplayed a fundamental role in shaping Brazil’s mineral resource endowment. This historical process contributedto the formation of a diversified mineral base that currently represents a strategic asset for national development.In the twenty-first century, the growing global demand for critical and strategic minerals reinforces theimportance of Brazil’s mineral wealth, highlighting its potential contribution to industrial innovation,technological advancement, and sustainable economic development.