Brazil Mining Minister Alexandre Silveira launches sustainability framework and funds fight against illegal mining

Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira unveiled the Basic Reference for Sustainable Brazilian Mining, a non‑regulatory guide developed by the National Secretariat of Geology, Mining and Mineral Transformation. The reference supports the National Mining Policy 2050, outlining best practices for environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance across a sector that represents about 3.3% of Brazil’s GDP, employs roughly two million workers and accounts for 20% of exports.

Silveira also signed a Technical Cooperation Agreement with the Federal Police, allocating R$ 20.3 million – funds derived from the 2024 reparations agreement with Samarco, Vale and BHP for the Mariana dam disaster – to purchase vehicles, drones, encrypted communications and forensic equipment. The resources will boost inspection and intelligence capabilities in the Rio Doce basin and other areas of Minas Gerais, aiming to curb illegal mining activities and protect mineral resources and local communities.