(Photo: Daniela Nunes) The state of Minas Gerais has a long history of gold mining issues. Even during the colonial period, metal was one of the main desires of the Portuguese crown in cities at that time. Today, the crown is gone, but the gold rush continues to grow.However, despite its undeniable importance for the state of Minas Gerais, not only gold, but mining in general has caused significant damage to Minas Gerais cities. At the same time, the wealth created by gold miners and other miners helped the state's small towns prosper.
In this development that continues since the gold rush, Minas Gerais should not abandon mining or deny its importance for the nation. However, it is necessary to learn from the most recent problems to overcome the problems of cities and regions in Minas Gerais.
Today we are preparing this special article and we will comment on the development of gold mining in Minas Gerais, celebrating the gold cycle and introducing modernity in terms of urban mining in Minas Gerais!
What is the golden cycle? Gold is currently a reserve and serves as an alternative in times of geopolitical crises and conflicts. But it didn't work like that. During the colonial period, gold was used as a currency of direct exchange between states. So, whoever has more gold is richer.
Throughout the 18th century, colonial Brazil was the largest producer of Portuguese gold. Furthermore, Minas Gerais played an important role in industry during this period, which led to the rapid development of infrastructure in Brazilian states.
Led by Minas Gerais, Goiás and Mato Grosso are also gold producing regions. Because of this, Brazil imported 50% of world production at the time, according to historians. Production was so high that the Portuguese then began to immigrate to the colony in search of the fortunes associated with the gold trade.
How long did the gold cycle last in Brazil? The gold rush in Brazil lasted throughout the 18th century and ended with mining deposits. With the collapse of production in Minas Gerais, workers were displaced. Thus, mining opened space for livestock and agriculture, which led to the future direction of the Café com Leite policy, with changes between the oligarchs of São Paulo and Minas Gerais.
Current Gold Mining in Minas Gerais The gold mining industry in Minas Gerais is still strong. The state is the main producer of the metal in all of Brazil, surpassing even the production of the Amazon forest. However, production does not represent the State well.
This is because, despite abundant gold mining, Minas Gerais is a place with little transparency regarding the origin of the metal. According to a study by the University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), 88% of the 48.7 tons of gold extracted and not classified in the country originated in the state of Minas Gerais. Due to illegal mining, environmental risks are increasing, as is the lack of income for cities.
The government's failure to act more aggressively to combat illegal mining has meant that little has changed since the 19th century gold rush. Therefore, the use of new high-tech solutions that benefit the mining industry is not visible.
Excellent examples of innovation in gold mining Gold continues to be one of the most important commodities in the world. Therefore, although the state of Minas Gerais and Brazil itself are impressive in terms of best practices, other countries have demonstrated their capabilities in innovation and advancement in the gold industry.
Some of the best examples include:
International certifications: sustainability insurance in relation to clay; Reforestation policy: after the mine is completed, reforestation activities will begin in the area affected by mining; Reduce carbon emissions: adopt net zero measures to reduce carbon emissions, prioritizing renewable energy sources; Use of technology: use of automation resources in gold mining to reduce the risk of contamination to workers. Conclusion – Will gold mining in Minas Gerais be more competitive? Gold mining in Minas Gerais has been delayed due to illegal activities. While this evil persists in the state, no concrete progress will be made in industry, nor will any effective discoveries be made for the cities and the state itself.
Important solutions include preventing the influx of miners and encouraging companies to engage in illegal mining. To achieve this, the Government must create public policies that convince illegal mining companies to act within the law!