RedeAPLmineral: Collaborative development of initiatives to support mineral-based local productive arrangements

Abstract

Mineral-based Local Production Arrangements (LPAs) are important instruments for regional development, particularly in mining sectors characterized by the predominance of micro- and small-sized enterprises. In this context, the Brazilian Network of Mineral-Based Local Production Arrangements (RedeAPLmineral), later restructured as the RedeAPLmineral Thematic Committee, became an important institutional coordination forum aimed at strengthening mining activities organized within LPAs in Brazil. This article presents the historical trajectory of the Network and the Committee, highlighting their contributions to public policy formulation, governance strengthening, knowledge dissemination, and the sustainable development of mineral-based LPAs. The research adopts a qualitative and descriptive approach, based on the collection and analysis of institutional documents produced by RedeAPLmineral and its partner institutions. The results show that the Network and the Committee played a significant role in integrating governmental, business, academic, and social stakeholders, fostering interinstitutional cooperation, disseminating best practices, promoting national seminars and meetings, and supporting the development of LPAs across different regions of the country. The study concludes that RedeAPLmineral has served as an important mechanism of collaborative governance and territorial development associated with Brazil’s small- and medium-scale mining sector.