After ranking fifth among 33 internationalization networks evaluated, the Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP) was officially appointed as the coordinating institution of the network “MineraMundi: International Research Network on Mining, Sustainability, and Social Development.” The initiative was approved under Call No. 13/2025 of the CAPES-Global Program and is expected to receive an estimated investment of R$70 million over four years. “A great day for UFOP,” celebrated Rector Luciano Campos on his social media. He stated that the institutional performance in the program represents real funding for research in an area in which the university has recognized expertise.
The network brings together universities from all five Brazilian regions. The R$70 million application takes into account criteria such as the number and evaluation of each institution’s graduate programs, as well as mechanisms designed to reduce regional inequalities. In addition to UFOP, MineraMundi includes the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), the Federal University of Latin American Integration (Unila), the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), the Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), and the Federal University of Tocantins (UFT). The network composition follows the guidelines of the call, which encourages the creation of partnerships among institutions at different stages of internationalization, fostering scientific collaboration and reducing regional asymmetries.
Thematic strands the MineraMundi proposal is structured around two major thematic strands that guide research and international cooperation activities. The first focuses on mining, sustainability, and productive processes, addressing topics such as circular migration, geological exploration, and waste recovery. It is coordinated by Gustavo Mello, from the Graduate Program in Crustal Evolution.
The second strand integrates mining, health, society, and education, focusing on contemporary challenges and sustainable strategies for the future. It is coordinated by Camila Carrião, from the Graduate Program in Biological Sciences.
As the coordinating institution, UFOP takes a strategic role in articulating collaboration among participating institutions. Its responsibilities include leading the development and implementation of internationalization plans, sharing infrastructure, and coordinating the network Management Committee, composed of 12 members—two representatives from each participating institution—responsible for strategic decisions and the execution of joint initiatives.
According to Paula Mendonça, Dean of Research, Graduate Studies and Innovation (Proppi), the coordination reflects UFOP consolidation in the field. “This means that the University demonstrates excellence in its graduate programs and the capacity to bring together other institutions around a strategic theme,” she stated. According to Mendonça, the different levels of internationalization development among the participating institutions constitute one of the network’s strengths. The more developed universities concerning internationalization, such as UFOP, UFRGS, and UFCG, will cooperate with institutions at earlier stages, promoting exchanges of experience, strengthening institutional policies, and improving strategies such as internationalized curricula and partnerships with the Global South.
Actions- Among the planned actions there are international academic missions, doctoral sandwich scholarships, training opportunities, faculty and researcher exchanges, and the organization of events and seminars. These “missions” include both collaborative research activities and participation in scientific events and technical visits aimed at identifying new partnerships.
The implementation of the network is already under way, with monthly meetings among participating institutions and the development of initial implementation tools, such as calls for applications, a website, and an indicator dashboard. Work plans are also under discussion to enable fund release in June. The publication of the project submitted to the CAPES-Global call on the program website is expected within one month.
At the end of the four-year period, it is expected that the initiative will generate both quantitative and qualitative impacts on internationalization and graduate education across the partner institutions. Expected outcomes include an increase in the number of international agreements and partnerships, stronger collaborations with public institutions and private companies, and greater numbers of international meetings and workshops.
The proposal also anticipates growth in scientific and technological production through international cooperation, including high-impact publications, science communication materials, and the development of intellectual property, such as patents, prototypes, and methodologies. On the social dimension, extension activities are planned for communities affected by mining, as well as continuing education initiatives for teachers from local communities and Indigenous peoples.
