en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Brazilian federal government announced it will update the protection rules for natural underground caves, a move that could release 30% to 35% of projects in the country's mining sector. Mining and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira disclosed the news during the CNN Talks | New Era of Mining event held by CNN Brazil this Tuesday (30th).
According to the minister, the proposal is based on technical standards and was developed in coordination with the Ministry of Environment (Ministério do Meio Ambiente) and environmental agencies. The goal is to reduce the legal uncertainty that has affected environmental licensing processes for years, creating a more predictable environment for investments in mining, energy, and infrastructure. Silveira stated that the regulatory update removes a historic bottleneck that has hindered the implementation of strategic projects in the country, especially at a time when Brazil seeks to consolidate its position in the global supply chain for critical minerals.
"We are correcting a bottleneck that has held back the country's development for years. The new decree brings technical clarity and responsibility. Unlike past proposals that were irresponsible, jeopardized environmental heritage, and ultimately faced challenges, this text was negotiated with the Ministry of Environment and environmental agencies, aiming to protect geological heritage and improve efficiency in areas where the country needs to develop. In the coming days, we will achieve a major success," the minister said at the event.
One of the main expected changes is the revision of the methodology used to classify natural underground caves. The aim is to reduce divergent interpretations between environmental consulting firms and public agencies during the environmental licensing process. A key point of the regulation involves so-called "closed caves." Under current rules, the mere possibility of such a formation's existence could halt a project before technical studies are completed. The new decree aims to reduce this subjectivity. Another significant modification stipulates that the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) must issue an opinion on environmental licensing processes within a maximum of 30 days. According to the Ministry of Mining and Energy, this measure aims to reduce the backlog of analyses and accelerate projects deemed strategic for the country. It is expected to positively impact the production of iron ore and limestone, which are key inputs for various sectors of the economy.
Alexandre Silveira emphasized that the new rules do not reduce the protection of caves considered to have high environmental, scientific, historical, or tourist value. According to him, formations like the Lapinha Cave and the Valley of the Moon will continue to receive full protection. The minister stated that the decree aims to establish technical standards to differentiate areas requiring absolute protection from those where economic activities can be carried out through compensatory measures. During the event, Silveira also highlighted other priorities for the sector, such as the modernization of the National Mining Agency (ANM), remediation actions related to environmental disasters in Minas Gerais state, and the autonomy of Petrobras to evaluate investments in new mining areas, provided they meet criteria for economic viability and social and environmental responsibility. "Brazil's subsoil resources need to generate wealth in a sustainable manner," the minister concluded.
