seriously it’s a public forum. There is absolutely nothing...

seriously it’s a public forum. There is absolutely nothing illegal in @watchthisrise asking a question because being within an environmental protection buffer zone to the the sanctuary needs to be addressed. Exploration permits doesn’t necessarily result in mining approvals because each proceed at different phases and have different criteria. There are 3 environmental licensing phase that require the State environmental authority to issue (Federal involvement is only in exceptional cases).
Phase 1 - the preliminary license, which approves the projectlocation and design
Phase 2 - the installation license, which authorises the installation of the facilities and premises
Phase 3 - the operation license, which allows actual operationand mining activities

it is also critical to note that Soberbo is within the buffer zone and not within the conservation unit I.e Pedro Bianca sanctuary itself. However, the buffer zone can have economic activities restricted. This will be dealt with on a case by case basis.

There is obvious questions on what the final scope of mining will be allowed once the Environmental process is completed. Having previous mining licenses granted doesn’t necessitate a new mining operational license will be granted - the conditions imposed or activities restricted will need to be determined based on outcomes of previous outcomes, if any.

In conclusion, is there a potential issue for MEI for tenements within the environmental buffer? Absolutely, no one can deny this.
Will this mean no environmental license will be issued? No - it will be based on the environmental studies that the company has undertaken in conjunction with the state authority and the final outcome will be anything with the following possibilities:
1. Unrestricted operational license
2. Restricted operational license with certain conditions being imposed
3. Operational license being rejected.

i focus on the operational license, however the preliminary license is an important gauge to identify any issues. However, a preliminary approval doesn’t mean the Installation and operational licenses will follow as new issues could be identified along with changes in policy in state and federal authorities.

for the moment, considering there has been mining licenses granted at soberbo, based on company presentations, I would assume that any impact would be minimal and this section would have some extra conditions along with greater delays. However, there will be a query and any investment with a query, be it small or big , can impact some investors attitude.

in my opinion, soberbo and other tenements within the buffer zone will be allowed to proceed with conditions attached. However, there will be delays as naturally within a socialist government, the potential for petitions and disruptions is greater than other the previous regime to get involved in state matters. further, the mining activities of the significant tenements outside can begin sooner and this will be an addition. So the overall project in my view will not have any impact because slight delays in soberbo and Capao do mel will not affect the tenements such as Figuera, Dona Maria 1 & 2 and Cupim Vermelho Norte.