RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – President Jair Bolsonaro and the Minister of Mines and Energy Bento Albuquerque on Monday, September 28th, took part in the launching of the Mining and Development Program (PMD). The plan, which will be published as a ministerial decree, sets the government’s agenda for mining for the period between 2020 and 2023, includes a total of 110 targets on issues such as mineral economy, environmental sustainability, geological expertise, mineral use in new areas, investments and financing for the mineral sector.
“Mining is one of the great strengths of the Brazilian economy, an important vector of progress and synonymous of its development for the promotion of the well-being of all. The lifestyle that modern society has adopted with an infinity of goods, products, equipment and technological resources renders the use of mineral goods increasingly indispensable. Consequently, mining is more than essential, it is indispensable for Brazil and for the world,” said Bento Albuquerque at the program’s launching ceremony.
Among the goals set in the PMD are the regulation of mining on indigenous lands and expansion of areas for mineral use. In the case of mining in indigenous areas, its progress is dependent on authorization from the National Congress. Early this year, the government submitted a bill to regulate this option, which is provided for in the Federal Constitution. The government also aims to fight irregular mining and encourage the legalization of activities. The full program is available on the Ministry’s website.
“This gives us pride and has shown that Brazil, over the last few months, is truly heading in the right direction,” said Bolsonaro during the program’s launching. The event was attended by officials and professionals linked to the sector, such as legislators and leaders of mining companies and organizations.
Source: Agência Brasil