Brazil adopts MAC’s Towards Sustainable Mining initiative

Chapada mine in Brazil, owned and operated by Lundin Mining. Image: Sandstorm Gold.

The national mining association in Brazil – Instituto Brasileiro de Mineracao (IBRAM) – has adopted the Towards Sustainable Mining initiative developed by Ottawa-based Mining Association of Canada. TSM is a program aimed at improving environmental and social practices in the mining industry.

IBRAM joins six other mining associations around the globe that have adopted TSM. The initiative covers tailings management, engagement with civil society, safety and health, environmental standards, and enhanced transparency and accountability.

TSM will be tailored to the specific needs of the Brazilian industry with the help of MAC. Implementation will occur over the next five years.

Flavio Ottoni Penido, president of IBRAM, says, “”By adopting TSM, we are committing to raise the standards of our industry. TSM will help our mining sector become more transparent, earn the confidence of Brazilian society and achieve its full potential.”

To ensure TSM reflects the expectations of civil society and industry stakeholders, it was designed and continues to be shaped by an independent, multi-interest advisory panel. As part of its implementation, IBRAM will implement a similar advisory body to provide valuable oversight.

(This article first appeared in the Canadian Mining Journal)