Brazil lawmakers to discuss new mining code, 2050 policy

Debates on updating Brazil’s mining code and the 2050 national mining plan are on the horizon.

On Wednesday, the lower house will discuss the mining code, in place since 1967.

"[We need to discuss] the fight against illegal mining. We also understand that it should be a priority agenda under the new government, [as well as] the environmental agenda and tax issues," Julio Nery, sustainability and regulations director of mining association Ibram, told BNamericas.

In early November, the rapporteur of the review process, Liberal Party lawmaker Joaquim Passarinho, said he wanted to increase legal certainty, boost exploration, and implement measures to improve the sector’s public image. 

“I am in favor of quality mining, and we need to bring big mining closer to the population. This humanization of the mining sector is necessary,” Passarinho said in a press release.

The review will also focus on the traceability of gold to curb illegal mining and the strengthening of mining regulator ANM.

Meanwhile, the mines and energy ministry (MME) launched a public consultation, open until January 20, on the 2050 national mining plan. 

"As a long-term instrument, the plan comprises the sector's strategic agenda and presents guidelines that will guide public policies for the sustainable development of the Brazilian mineral sector during the 2023-50 period. It is based on three pillars: the use of mineral resources, competitiveness and sustainability," the ministry said in a press release.