Gabriela de Ávila Machado
Lawyer at Marcos Martins Advogados
On May 11, 2020, the ANM published the Lavra Plan. The Plan aims to implement actions to reduce bureaucracy and improve the business environment and recover the damage suffered by the mining sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to accelerate the economic recovery process.
The rules will be modified progressively, but the first batch already brings some important changes, such as the possibility of producing table mineral water bottles from recycled PET resins, which was previously only possible for gallons. This measure, which has long been demanded by the sector, is in line with global sustainability goals and reduces costs, as it opens up the possibility of diversifying packaging by using alternative sources.
Another change concerns the continuity of mining in the event of a change in the ownership of mining areas without the need to interrupt production. This amendment ensures that operations and jobs are maintained without risk.
Finally, the in-person inspection for some Guia de Utilização concessions will no longer be mandatory due to social isolation. It will be replaced by other technological means of inspection. In addition, the Guide can be requested together with the environmental license, which was previously a requirement for its application, which will bring more agility and security to the miner.
Other initiatives are still under analysis and will be announced as soon as they are approved.
