DOTAÇÃO MINERAL, MEIO AMBIENTE E DESENVOLVIMENTO NO ALTO JEQUITINHONHA

The Alto Jequitinhonha region contains important mineral deposits wich have been known and exploitedsince the Brazilian colonial period. Despite this mineral potential, its population is one of the poorest inthe State of Minas Gerais. The extraction of ores is presently under much debate due to its complexrelationship with the environment and the regional development, particularly the Brundland report wichdefined guidelines for what is being called sustainable development. The situation is out of control on thepart of the government concerning such matters as mineral rights, payment of taxes and control andmonitoring of the environment. This scenario prevents the definition of public guidelines to allow theexploration of mineral resources such as diamond, gold, manganese, kyanite, chromite and other ores inregional projects. The first step must be taken by joint, articulated actions of the different federal, stateand municipal institutions to monitor, control and encourage mineral activities in the region. Such activitiescan act to enhance the generation of jobs and wealth, without neglecting the environment.