Resumo:"The United Nations’ Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level (APELL) for the mining sector sets a 10-step plan for drafting and implementing actions with stakeholders’ participation at its centre. The APELL places special emphasis on representatives of local communities, making the plan more inclusive and effective in saving lives and the environment. This is because when people participate in the decision-making process from an early stage, they are more likely to implement what is planned. In times of emergency, knowledge of the plan and the will to follow it are crucial to save lives and minimize negative consequences of accidents. This article shows how brazilian stakeholders can use the United Nations Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level (APELL) to reduce the risks and potential damages of mining accidents while increasing the chances to save people’s lives and the environment."

Sumário:International regulation for dam safety in the mining sector. The awareness and preparedness for emergencies at local level - Apell. A brief history of the apell program for dam safety in the mining sector. Federal legislation concerning the safety of dams in the brazilian mineral sector: Risk category and associated potential damage: The emergency action plan for mining dams in Brazil. Minas Gerais state legislation on dam’s safety in the mining sector -- Comparison between the apell and the emergency action plan for mining dams. Responsibility for the elaboration. Operational responsibility. Local communities. Training. Communication.