18 June, 2014The issue of sustainability is at the heart of efforts on the part of Brazilian unions to halt the adoption of a controversial new mining law pending a process of public consultation. Brazilian unions as well social and environmental groups are united in their attempt to postpone the vote on the mining code, which they say lacks legitimacy.
That Brazil needs a new mining code is not in question. In the 47 years since the code was revised by the then military regime, mining has been one of the fastest growing sectors, and the impact on communities and the environment has grown equally rapidly.
Critics, however, decry both the process and the content of the law, criticizing the fact that a code aimed at regulating a non-renewable commons resource is being pushed through without public debate. Add to that the fact that the content of the law protects the vested interests of corporations, while failing to recognize the social and environmental impact of mining.
The revised draft was discussed behind closed doors for four years before being sent to Congress on a ‘legal urgency’ basis, allowing only 90 days for public debate. The ‘legal urgency’ was subsequently withdrawn under pressure from unions and NGOs, and the current timeframe for adoption is now unclear.
Unions and civil society groups, including IndustriAll Global Union affiliate CNQ-CUT, have submitted 53 proposals dealing with decent work, health and safety, the social and environmental impact, the involvement of social actors and industrial sustainability. A further 250 or so proposed amendments reflect the interests of the industry.
Unions are asking the government to defer the vote until 2015.
In the meantime convene a national mining conference aimed to develop a regulatory framework, reflecting the diversity of interests of Brazilian society.
Brazil has over 7,000 active mines yielding 80 different minerals. It is one of the world's largest producers of iron ore, bauxite, gold, nickel, manganese as well as the rare mineral niobium. The sector provides over 900,000 formal sector jobs.