Avaliação do licenciamento ambiental da mineração de quartzito em São Thomé das Letras - MG

Abstract

Mining activity in Minas Gerais is extremely important to the state's economy, especially regarding the production of ornamental rocks for the construction industry. However, mineral extraction can cause damage to the environment and the health of the population surrounding mining operations. Quartzite extraction in São Thomé das Letras/MG has drawn attention due to the growing number of projects in this activity, the damage caused to the environment, and reports of health problems among the population. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to question whether the environmental licensing processes for quartzite mining in São Thomé das Letras, within the jurisdiction of the current Southern Regional Environmental Regulation Unit of FEAM (URRA Sul da FEAM), have been carried out in accordance with the law, especially regarding compliance with environmental licensing modalities, observance of conditions, environmental education programs, environmental monitoring and inspection, as well as compliance with legal obligations related to environmental compensation. The methodology adopted consisted of a diagnostic analysis of environmental licensing processes for mining activity in the municipality of São Thomé das Letras/MG, within the jurisdiction of the Southern Environmental Regulation Unit of FEAM, filed between 2019 and 2023. The methodological approach combined exploratory and descriptive elements. It was concluded that in the 10 cases investigated, there was agreement with the formal phases of the procedural process required by the environmental agency and proof of mineral regularity with the National Mining Agency. Although they followed the terms of reference foreseen for each modality, simpler instruments such as the Simplified Environmental Report (RAS) present limitations regarding the identification and evaluation of environmental impacts, which compromises the depth of the analyses. Although the processes met the formal requirements, they do not guarantee the effectiveness of the measures necessary to prevent, mitigate, and compensate for any potential environmental impacts. Therefore, to advance damage prevention, studies aimed at strengthening environmental management in compliance with federal legislation and promoting comparative analyses among the municipalities of the São Thomé das Letras region are suggested. Additionally, to identify best practices, it is recommended to conduct qualitative research through interviews with technicians, entrepreneurs, and representatives of civil society to understand the perceptions, experiences, and challenges faced by the different stakeholders. The results of this research, combined with intensified evaluation of the effectiveness of applied mitigation measures, compliance with conditions, and environmental monitoring, will certainly strengthen the system for controlling the extraction of mineral resources.