60 Seconds on...this monthโs Brazilian mining controversy
Credit: shutterstock/Gustavo Frazao. Aerial view of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil. The Renca region lies in the Amazon.ย
On 23 August, the Brazilian Government announced that it was abolishing the National Reserve of Copper and Associates (Renca), opening up the region to mining. On August 30 a Brazilian court blocked this decree.
President Michel Temer wants to abolish Renca to encourage investment and economic growth in the region and to limit illegal mining. Federal judge Rolando Valcir Spanholo claimed the President did not have the authority to abolish Renca. Activists and conservation groups oppose the abolishment of the reserve.
Despite Rence being a mineral reserve not an environmental reserve, nine conservation and indigenous land areas lie within the region. These protected areas would remain untouched according to the Government, but activists fear environmental damage from mining would still affect these areas.
What are the pros and cons?
WWF Brazil claim the abolishment of Renca will result in demographic exploitation, deforestation and loss of biodiversity and water resources. They also warn that a gold rush in the area could damage local cultures.
However, Professor Giorgio de Tomi, Head of the Mining and Petroleum Engineering Department at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, believes that opening up the area to legal, regulated mining would put a stop to environmental damage currently caused by illegal mining.ย
To read more on this topic see the October issue of Materials World.
