New rules for the economic utilization of environmental preservation areas in Brazil should be ready in February.
This matter has been under discussion for over two years by the National Environmental Council (CONAMA), the director of Licensing and Environmental Quality in the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), Luiz Felippe Kunz, explained.
The current legislation does not permit, for example, mining in permanent preservation areas (APPs). More environmentally fragile areas, such as hilltops, river banks, and steep slopes, are classified as APPs.
The director explained that the new rules, which will be defined in a CONAMA resolution, will establish stronger environmental precautions for mining activities in the APPs and measures for future restoration.
"This will provide greater security to both the licensing agencies, whether it be IBAMA or state agencies, and the entrepreneurs themselves, who will be aware of the rules affecting the implantation of their enterprises."
ABr