O projeto de extração de potássio no município de Autazes-Am e sua interface com o desenvolvimento socioambiental

Abstract

The master's dissertation being presented to the PPGDA/UEA is based on the research line Conservation of Natural Resources and Sustainable Development. The conservation of natural resources is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. Without the protection of natural resources, economic development becomes unsustainable, leading to environmental degradation and loss of quality of life. On the other hand, development that ignores conservation can result in environmental crises such as climate change, water scarcity and species extinction. According to data from Embrapa, Brazil ranked 4th in the world for grain production in 2022. Agriculture is interspersed with the use of fertilizers, potassium being one of the most important minerals widely used along with nitrogen and phosphorus. Brazil imports around 95% of this mineral from Russia, Israel and Canada. In the municipality of Autazes -AM, there is a huge deposit of world-class potassium chloride. In addition, the communities and indigenous peoples living near the mine, who are directly affected, have not received adequate information about the expected consequences. This paper aims to present a discussion about the potash extraction project in the municipality of Autazes - AM and to answer the following question: is it possible to combine the possible implementation of the project with social and environmental development? What strategies will the company use to mitigate possible environmental impacts? In the end, it can be inferred that it is extremely challenging to link sustainable development and the extraction of the Amazon's natural resources, but it is not impossible. For this to happen, it is essential that there is seriousness, technology, supervision and commitment on the part of governments, businesspeople and society. The lack of effective public policies and adequate governance is a significant obstacle. It is essential that there is a regulatory framework that promotes the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, as well as guaranteeing the participation of local communities in decisions that affect their lives and the environment, all with the awareness that the environment must be conserved with a view to the right to a balanced environment for present and future generations, it is also necessary to strip away the imperative of profit and greed and above all ensure that the indigenous people possibly affected are respected and share in the profits if the project goes ahead. The type of research used in this paper was a case study, using the deductive method as its guiding principle, with a qualitative approach. The research technique used was bibliographical, with consultations of websites, reports, academic articles, as well as access to the two ongoing Public Civil Actions filed by the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office in Amazonas.