Could you update us on IBRAM's recent activities and news in Brazil?

The past year has been a period of intense activities focused on establishing conditions for an environment of fully sustainable development for mining in Brazil. In 2023, we were at the center of the debates surrounding the protection of the Amazon and its future design, given its importance for survival on the planet. We placed IBRAM and its associates prominently in the United Nations COP28 programming. Other actions included our fight around combating illegal gold extraction and trade. We created new ties with international organizations and established direct dialogue channels with diplomatic representations.

By strengthening the links between IBRAM and established powers, we saw the Parliamentary Front for Sustainable Mining emerge. Other positive points were the inclusion of IBRAM in the National Council for Social Development, participating in the formulation of new industrial policy, and the fact that the federal government began to consider mining essential for the development of the Ecological Transition Plan. Regarding how the sector has performed, revenue from the iron ore segment fell from R$153.5 billion to R$148 billion, gold from R$23.9 billion to R$21.1 billion. Revenue from the following segments increased: copper, from R$15.2 billion to R$16.2 billion; dolomitic limestone, from R$8.6 billion to R$9.5 billion; granite, from R$5.1 billion to R$6.5 billion; and bauxite was stable at R$5.7 billion. Can you discuss the impact of the Selective Tax on the mining sector?

The proposed article 136, which maintains state contributions to infrastructure funds, should be eliminated since in addition to being severely questioned in the STF regarding its constitutionality, it burdens primary and semi-finished products and exports, all of which are the opposite of what the reform intended to resolve, increasing the tax burden. The imposition of the Selective Tax on mining in Article 153 is disconnected from the global norm since it will result in inflation, an increase in the tax burden and investment flight from Brazil. It discourages investment in the mining industry and will restrict economic growth. What is the importance of innovation to the Brazilian mining industry?

Mining has become known as an industry of major technological innovations thanks to advances in more sustainable production processes, with better productivity rates, better relations with surrounding communities, increased environmental preservation, etc. From the search for mineralized bodies by air-gravimetric gradiometry (Air-FTG - Full Tensor Gravity Gradiometry) through autonomous off-road trucks to mobile technology monitoring each operation in a mining project, the innovative environment in mining is growing every day.

The advancement of technology has been fundamental to the growth of mining, with satellite georeferencing being one of the pillars of major structural transformations in mining projects. Mineral extraction processes have been revolutionized by these techniques, making it possible to precisely zone the structures of target minerals, providing more specific interventions, reducing the generation of waste and environmental impacts and costs. Furthermore, mineral processing processes are becoming more efficient, with the increased recovery of minerals of interest, agglomeration of fines and ultrafine, recovery and reuse of waste, reduction or elimination of water used in the processes, more controlled comminution, and more effective concentration processes through the use of more selective reagents. What steps is IBRAM taking to promote ESG commitments?

The Brazilian Mining ESG Agenda, structured by the Institute in 2019, is the guiding principle for the mining sector and IBRAM itself. Mining companies associated with IBRAM, for example, focus on fulfilling an ESG Agenda, which covers twelve priority areas, namely: Process Safety, dams and tailings disposal structures, occupational health and safety, mitigation of environmental impacts, local development and future of territories, relationship with communities, communication & reputation, diversity & inclusion, innovation, water, energy and waste management. IBRAM adopted the TSM Brazil – Towards Sustainable Mining in 2019. It guides and supports mining companies in managing environmental and social risks. What are IBRAM's priorities and objectives for 2025?

Our agenda for 2025 will keep the focus on developing a sustainable mining environment in Brazil. Our work on improving the conditions for this sustainability, as recently done in Exposibram and Brazilian Mining Congress, will be repeated in the coming years.