Challenges and pathways for Brazilian mining sustainability

• Published in: Resources policy 2021-12, Vol.74, p.101648, Article 101648
• Main Authors: Alves, Wellington, Ferreira, Paula, Araújo, Madalena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Communication; Companies; Content analysis; Cooperation; Economic development; Environmental impact; Government agencies; Interviews; Mining impact; Mining industry; Qualitative analysis; Qualitative research; Science & Technology; Social development; Sustainability; Sustainability communication; Sustainability concept
• ISSN: 0301-4207; 1873-7641
• DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2020.101648

Brazil is one of the world key players in the mining industry. This sector has also a remarkable role on the Brazilian economic and social development. Nonetheless, the economic, social and environmental impacts of the sector have not yet been fully documented, debated or understood in reports presented by companies and public organizations in the country. In this context, this research aims to contribute to this debate by analysing sustainability in the Brazilian mining sector. For this research, the approach has used mostly a qualitative method, interviews, coupled with content analysis of reports of public mining agencies. Results showed that sustainability assessment and communication is still an emergent process in Brazilian mining, since only a few large companies have been reporting their sustainability initiatives. The results provide also evidence of the existing gap between large and small companies, with the latter showing lower levels of awareness of the impact of their activities. Based on these findings, this research has concluded on the need for closer cooperation between government, public mining agencies and companies to raise levels of knowledge and awareness within companies, towards sustainability practices and communication initiatives. •Interviewees were conducted with key experts from Brazilian mining sector.•Major sustainability challenges are related to negative environmental impacts.•Community engagement is a key factor to achieve a truly sustainable mining sector.•Best Available Techniques are mostly unknown and not implemented in the sector.•Reduced importance is assigned to sustainability communication and reporting.