Introduction
The federal government is preparing a resolution to determine that critical mineral projects be analyzed under the Special Environmental Licensing (LAE). This measure aims to accelerate the environmental licensing process for these projects, which are considered strategic for the country's development.
What is Special Environmental Licensing (LAE)?
The LAE is a special environmental licensing process intended for enterprises considered strategic by a government committee. This process must be completed within 12 months, which is a significantly shorter period than the traditional environmental licensing process.
Critical Minerals: What are they and why are they important?
Critical minerals include lithium, copper, nickel, graphite, and rare earths. These minerals are essential for the production of batteries, electric vehicles, electronic equipment, wind turbines, solar panels, and defense technologies.
Analysis of the Environmental Licensing Process
Currently, a mining project needs to obtain a prior license, which assesses its environmental feasibility. Then, it needs an installation license, which authorizes the works and the implementation of the structure. The final stage is the operating license, issued only after compliance with environmental and social conditions that authorize the start of productive activity.
However, with the LAE, the three stages are merged into one year, at most. This means that the environmental licensing process will be significantly faster, but it can also increase the risk of negative environmental impacts.
Implications and Risks
The time pressure reduces the time available for impact assessment, especially for projects located near sensitive areas, such as Conservation Units, Indigenous Territories, and Traditional Communities.
In addition, the coordinator of public policies of the Climate Observatory, Suely Araújo, explains that the special environmental licensing provides a flexible procedure for enterprises with significant impact, which may not be sufficient to guarantee environmental protection.
Conclusion
The federal government is preparing a resolution to accelerate the environmental licensing process of critical minerals. However, it is essential to ensure that the environmental licensing process is rigorous and transparent to avoid negative environmental impacts and guarantee the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples and traditional communities.
Source / Reference
Source: ClimaInfo