Uranium Mining in Ceará: Environmental Impacts and Regulatory Challenges of the Santa Quitéria Project

A technical study by UFC points out environmental and social challenges and questions the accuracy of the documents presented by the consortium responsible for the project. Understand the main points of this analysis and its implications for the population and the environment:

Since 2004, environmental agencies have been analyzing the feasibility of exploring uranium and phosphate deposits in Santa Quitéria and Itatira, in Ceará. During this period, the project has gone through different phases and evaluations.

• 2012: The Ibama issued an opinion against mining due to inconsistencies in the studies presented.
• 2014: They were unsuccessful in trying to obtain the license again.
• 2019: New environmental assessments have brought the project back into the spotlight.
• 2021: Public hearings were held to clarify the possible impacts of mining.
• 2024: The Ibama continues to review the environmental studies presented, with expected opinion by the end of the first half of 2025.

UFC study highlights challenges in EIA-RIMA

In view of this scenario, the Federal Public Ministry (MPF), the Labor Public Ministry (MPT) and the Ceará State Public Ministry (MPCE) requested the technical opinion. Thus, the study was delivered in February 2024 by the Academic Panel on Uranium and Phosphate Mining. Thus, it gathers researchers from different areasas the Medicine, Biology, Physics, Law and Geography.

In addition, the experts analyzed the Environmental Impact Study (EIA) and the Environmental Impact Report (RIMA). Tetra+ consultancy prepared these documents for the Santa Quitéria Consortium. As a result, the group identified points that require further clarification, as they may compromise the environmental and social security of the region.

Main issues analyzed in the study

O UFC study Raise several critical questions about the project. Thus, the following points stand out:

1. Issues related to public health

• O uranium is a heavy metal that requires specific precautions, as it can have long-term health impacts.
• How can prolonged exposure may affect the central nervous system and reproductive organs, experts suggest the need for greater monitoring.
• We also pack any studies indicate that the effects of mining must be analyzed considering the local reality and the conditions of the exposed population.

2. Availability of water resources

• Like water use in mining can impact local supply, this is one of the main concerns of the study.
• Furthermore, the The need for a continuous water quality monitoring plan was highlighted as essential for environmental safety.

3. Protection of biodiversity

• O study indicates the need for rigorous monitoring of the region's fauna and flora.
• Additionally, additional conservation measures can be implemented to minimize impacts on the local ecosystem.

4. Socioeconomic aspects

• O PSQ expects to create 538 direct jobs, but sustainability of these long-term job opportunities still needs to be detailed.
• Likewise, the transportation of uranium and phosphate must be carefully planned to minimize risks in areas close to the project.

Aspects requiring further clarification

O UFC opinion highlights points in the EIA-RIMA that can be improved, such as:

• The researchers suggest clarifying the lack of detailed justification for some of the changes in the meteorological data used.
• Another relevant aspect refers to the need for additional studies on air quality and impacts on public health.
• Likewise, there are recommendations for further analysis of possible contamination of groundwater and surface water.

What do those involved say?

In view of the ongoing discussions, the Santa Quiteria Consortium stated that, to date, awaits Ibama's analysis to provide additional clarifications. In a note, the company stated that maintains constant dialogue with the community and regulatory bodies.

On the other hand, Ibama highlighted that the environmental licensing process includes public hearings, allowing all doubts and suggestions to be considered before the final decision.

Expert recommendations

given the context identified in the study, the experts of UFC suggests measures to ensure greater transparency and security in the project analysis process. Thus, they recommend that:

• A National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) requests additional technical justifications for the environmental data presented.
• O Ibama assesses the need for new studies on the radiological and environmental impacts of the project.
• We also pack any all routes of exposure of the population to mining waste are analyzed with more detailed criteria.
• O model of environmental impact be reviewed periodically, with the participation of independent experts.

Perspectives for the Santa Quitéria Project

Given these analyses, the UFC study highlights points that require continuous monitoring regarding environmental safety and the impacts of the Santa Quitéria Project. Although the Ibama continue analyzing technical and environmental data, final decision on licensing still depends on new assessments.

Therefore, society, researchers and regulatory institutions will need to actively participate to ensure that all issues raised are considered. In addition, transparency in the licensing process and the adoption of rigorous criteria for assessing environmental impacts are essential to balancing economic development and environmental protection.