Formalization of Kaolin in the Seridó Pegmatitic Province by the Mining Mining Permit Regime Within the Scope of the APL in Pegmatitos RN/PB

Introducion: Mineral extraction activities aim to provide mineral and natural raw materials for the benefit of society. Because they are characterized as environmentally damaging activities, their practice in Brazil requires formalization and monitoring by regulatory bodies, in accordance with current legislation, such as the National Mining Agency, professional councils, environmental agencies, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and other competent institutions. Objective: This study aims to portray the persistent strategy developed to formalize the large volumes of primary kaolin found in the Seridó Pegmatite Province under the Prospecting Mining Permit Regime (PLG), since most of these deposits do not require prior mineral exploration services for mining operations. Method: nitially, a diagnosis was conducted through a detailed field and bibliographic survey of this activity and georeferencing of the mined areas of interest to COOTMAES in the states of Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte. The mineral extension activities of this project were carried out through studies, strategies, and ongoing discussions over several years with ANM technicians and directors, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of formalizing kaolin from the Seridó Pegmatite Province under the PLG. Results and Discussion: The successful results are highlighted by the motivation obtained by small entrepreneurs, the reduction of informality, the increase in tax and royalty collection, the reduction of social inequalities, and the strengthening of the APL in Pegmatites in Rio Grande do Norte/Paraíba. As one of the successful results of this resilient, multi-year struggle to formalize primary kaolin from the Seridó Pegmatite Province, ANM Resolution No. 208, of June 12, 2025, was recently enacted and published in the Official Gazette of June 13, 2025. Among other provisions, this Resolution considers kaolin associated with pegmatites as a minable substance for the purposes of applying for and granting the mining title (Lavra Mining Permit). Research Implications: This successful result should contribute to minimizing, and possibly even eradicating in the medium term, the informal use of kaolin associated with pegmatites in the Seridó Pegmatitic Province. Originality/Value: The work presents a novel legal adaptation strategy to enable the formalization of primary kaolin through the PLG regime, a regime normally associated with traditional mining operations, but which was strategically applied here for a large-volume substance. It demonstrates how technical and institutional coordination can influence the practical application of mining legislation, serving as a model for other contexts.