The discovery of emeralds has stimulated additional
geologic studies of the Lajes region, through a collaboration
between the Federal University of Rio Grande
do Norte, the Geological Survey of Brazil and other
governmental parties, and Mineração Vale Verde Ltd.
The Geological Survey is mapping the area around Lajes
on a 1:100,000 scale to locate other ultramafic and
recrystallized pegmatitic bodies. The aim is to obtain
a detailed geologic map of this region and finally to
create a prospecting guide for mining entrepreneurs.