Mining sector controversy in Brazil involving ANM director and local community issues

The Director-General of Brazil’s National Mining Agency (ANM), Mauro Henrique Moreira Sousa, faced scrutiny regarding a trip to Australia funded by a private association. While official ANM documents classified the mission as having “partial burden” for the agency, public records from the director’s own agenda listed it as “Private Cost.” The Agency for the Development and Innovation of the Brazilian Mineral Sector (ADIMB) reportedly covered R$ 13,594.92 for flights and R$ 10,815 for accommodation in Sydney. The trip included meetings with companies, such as St George Mining and Alvo Minerals, which have active mining projects in Brazil currently undergoing ANM regulatory processes.

Simultaneously, in Barão de Cocais, residents of the Castro community are reporting ongoing issues related to mining activities, including excessive dust, noise, structural cracks in homes, and road insecurity. These complaints coincide with the formation of the Association of Miners of Barão de Cocais (AMBS) by six companies—MR, GSM (Avante Group), Trindade, Flapa, AVG, and Bassari—aimed at strengthening industry representation in the region.