Brazil abolishes copper reserve in area with protection units

President Michel Temer on Wednesday (Aug. 23) abolished a 47,000 square kilometer reserve spanning an Amazon area between Pará and Amapá state, known as the National Reserve of Copper and Associates (RENCA). It was created in 1984 by the last military dictatorship president, João Figueiredo.

Since then, mineral prospecting and economic activity there have been under the responsibility of the Brazilian Mineral Resource Company (RM – Brazilian Geological Survey) or other companies authorized by it. In addition to copper, geological studies indicate the presence of gold, manganese, iron, and other minerals there.

The decree abolishing the reserve has not precluded other specific laws that protect native vegetation, conservation areas, indigenous territories, and border areas. There are currently seven conservation units in the area, of which three are granted full protection status, four are earmarked for sustainable use, and two indigenous territories (Rio Paru d'Este and Waiãpi).

Regarding indigenous territories, any exploitating must be approved by Congress after listening to traditional communities from impacted areas. The National Conservation Unit System restricts any mining activities in areas designated for full protection and subjects these activities in sustainable use areas to a management plan.

According to the director general of the National Department of Mineral Production (DNPM), Victor Hugo Froner Bicca, the abolishing of RENCA carries “strong symbolism, showing clearly the government has been focusing on mining.” Describing RENCA as the “the world's last known available area of significant geological potential,” Bicca welcomed the opening of the area to surveys to establish its resources and potential for mining. “It's a historic day for the sector,” he said.

Outcry

Faced with the negative response from environmental organizations to the abolishment of RENCA, the presidency issued a statement Thursday (Aug. 24) explaining the decision will affect the ore rather than the environmental reserve.

According to the statement, decree aims to “curb illegal exploitation” and reestablish the state as the authority in charge of RENCA ore reserves, which have fallen prey to illegal gold mining.

“RENCA is not the paradise some people make it seem. Unfortunately, original RENCA territories have been degraded by illegal gold mining, which plunders national wealth, destroys the environment, and pollutes water courses with mercury,” red the statement from the presidential communications secretariat.

*With additional reporting by Ivan Richard Esposito

Translated by Mayra Borges