By: Vitor Antony Ferrari, Ivan Kubala

With the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, the shipment of fertilizers from that country to Brazil was threatened, both by the embargoes imposed on the Russian economy and by Moscow's need to maintain a large stock of these raw materials, which are the base compounds for fertilizers that are also used for military purposes. The possible shortage of this type of resource has resurfaced the discussion around Bill 191/20.

Authored by the Executive Branch, the bill aims to legalize mineral exploration on indigenous lands. Currently, the Federal Constitution clearly states that this type of activity may only occur with the approval of the National Congress, by means of a legislative decree, and with the agreement of the affected indigenous communities, who will share in the profits obtained.

Supporters of the project argue that mining on indigenous lands could lead Brazil to self-sufficiency in fertilizers, increase commodity exports, generate jobs and develop partner communities. Those who oppose the project argue that mining on indigenous lands is a step backwards, would facilitate illegal mining and deforestation, would increase environmental pollution and that the text of the project is not consolidated, with differences of understanding among those in favor.

According to the government's base, this project only reinforces what is already provided for in the Federal Constitution, in addition to benefiting indigenous groups that want to explore the natural resources of their lands, such as the Yanomamis, Parecis and Xucurus.

The latest development regarding the bill was the urgent approval by the Chamber of Deputies on March 9, 2022, which means that the Bill should be voted on soon, scheduled for April. If the vote is favorable, the bill should be sent to the Federal Senate, where it will undergo another vote.

With the collaboration of Luis Felipe Meira M. Simão