Disclosure of Environmental Items: A Study of Metal Mining Companies Registered at BM & FBOVESPA

Abstract

Environmental Accounting, as regards the requirements for environmental management, may contribute as an important instrument for disclosure and dissemination of environmental information. This study aimed to identify the disclosure of environmental items in Metal Mining companies registered in at BM & FBOVESPA. The research is relevant in the Metal sector, because it represents companies with highly polluting activities, which use non-renewable natural resources. This was a qualitative, descriptive and documentary research, in which we used the content analysis technique of environmental items in Notes in the Reports of Directors and four mining companies sustainability reports from 2009 to 2013. Through a ranking, we analyzed the degree of clarity in the disclosure of environmental companies, which ranked first in the Vale SA, then Manabi SA a second, MMX Metálicos SA mining in the third place and, lastly, Litel Participações SA. Through environmental research variables based on the ISE questionnaire, it was found that the main items were disclosed environmental investments with environmental management certificates, accrued fines, costs licenses, processes and sanctions; and costs of energy consumption, water use, wastewater and solid waste. However, the result of the survey revealed that are not enough disclosed environmental items for a deeper analysis yet.