Fechamento de mina

Abstract

The present work addresses, in a general manner, the process of Mine Closure, conceptualizing it, verifying its implementation stages and management tools, more specifically the Mine Closure Plan, listing its essential items, as suggested by several international institutions, distinguishing it from the current Plan of Rehabilitation of Degraded Areas, PRAD, and checking by its requirement or not by the current laws in some countries, particularly Brazil. More specifically, this study finds that Brazil is moving, like other mining countries, but still at a slow pace, for the consideration of sustainability in this process, especially when, as pioneers, the state of Minas Gerais requires that mining companies call up for the participation and contribution of affected communities, through Normative Deliberation COPAM No. 127 of November 27, 2008, which also calls for PAFEM - Environmental Plan for Mine Closure, understanding thereby the importance of effective planning for a successful mine closure. This work becomes important, since it collaborates on the propagation of best practices, after concluding that, despite the progress in sustainability in the mining sector, Brazil is behind in implementing this stage of the life cycle of a mine, when compared with other countries such as USA and Canada, which already incorporate the suggested best practices worldwide, and mainly rely on the practice of applying for financial guarantees and provisions to ensure the implementation of the closure plan as required, within acceptable standards and in accordance with what was agreed with the authorities and affected communities, preventing them from having to bear the costs, they are not due, from the mine closure. Key words: Mine Closure, Mine Closure Plan, Plan of Rehabilitation of Degraded Areas, Environmental Plan for Mine Closure.