Mining is an activity that generates inputs to different production chains, making it essential for any country’s development. However, it causes environmental, economic, and social impacts that must be considered. The Mining Law provides guidelines, through laws and regulations, so the activity can be carried out in an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable way. In this paper, an analysis was conducted of the application of some peculiar characteristics of Brazilian Mining Law (locational rigidity, priority granting, among others) according to the parameters established in the Federal Constitution, in the Mining Code and its updates, and in the National Department of Mineral Production, Environment Ministry, and Mines and Energy Ministry normative acts. Moreover, the Superior Court of Justice Jurisprudence was analyzed to understand how the Mining Law is applied, in practice. It was verified that the Brazilian legislation is not perfect, but it has mechanisms to protect and benefit the miner, the society, and the environment. However, there are many shortcomings like the lack of speed in judging processes and the flaws in the applicability of some principles that compromise sustainability in the activity’s development, especially regarding the environmental and social liabilities left after mine closure.

RESUMO O caminho que se propõe a percorrer neste trabalho passa pela observação da efetividade dos direitos fundamentais em Teresina, Piauí, tendo o saneamento básico como indicador e destacando o mínimo existencial e a reserva do possível como balizas para o atendimento das demandas no setor. Justificando-se na escassez de recursos financeiros que impede a ampliação de estruturas de esgotamento sanitário, abastecimento de água, drenagem de águas pluviais e coleta de resíduos sólidos, Teresina foi se distanciando do que é considerado como o mínimo existencial em saneamento pela Lei nº 11.445/2007. Reserva do possível não pode ser invocada quando afeta a dignidade humana. A análise documental utilizada nesta pesquisa revelou que o município descumpre a Constituição Federal, por não oferecer condições básicas para evitar que a dignidade da pessoa humana seja desconsiderada nos seus limites territoriais.