Brazilian lawmaker submits proposal to simplify mineral exploration procedures

The Brazilian congress is likely to discuss a proposal to simplify mining exploration procedures.

A bill, proposed by lower house lawmaker José Silva Soares from the Solidariedade party, seeks to exempt mining companies from having to submit a report on the economic feasibility of deposits.

Currently, companies and individuals interested in exploring mineral resources need to obtain a research permit from mining regulator ANM.

The authorization defines the existence of the deposit, assesses its potential and determines whether it is economically viable to explore it. The economic-financial feasibility report is part of this process.

Silva argues that the economic feasibility of an activity is a strictly private analysis, with no connection to the public interest.

“These risks are entirely private, with no public resources being invested in these mineral exploration activities,” Silva said in a statement.

The bill would also eliminate two points from the country’s mining code.

One would end the possibility of appealing to the mines and energy ministry any rejection by ANM of exploration authorization requests, making the regulator’s decisions final.

Another would end the obligation for mining companies to present their annual balance sheet in the report on mining activities carried out the previous year.