Biodiversity risk management in mining

Abstract

Mining not only generates economic growth but also environmental impacts that involve risks to biodiversity and vulnerable communities. This chapter discusses the limitations of governance processes in both Brazil and Australia that has led to contentious mines approval processes and mines oversight. The Bulga and Adani mine cases in Australia are examples of the contentious mines approval process, and the Mariana and Brumadinho disasters in Brazil provide examples of the consequences of poor mines oversight. The examples and further discussion in the chapter illustrate the ‘realpolitik’ of mines governance in both countries and that the implementation of legislation is often less than desired. Therefore there is a need for more robust governance arrangements.