The application of the mitigation hierarchy (MH) to mining projects is challenging in situations of locational overlap between endemic flora and mineral deposits. We review flora surveys conducted in connection with the environmental impact assessment of several iron ore mining projects in an area of high degree of endemism in Eastern Amazon to discuss the practical implications of anticipating conservation strategies. Desktop studies and secondary data review were conducted to guide field searches to determine the distribution of endemic flora, resulting in 45 out of 46 endemic plant species having their known distribution extended to new areas. A framework for positioning flora conservation strategies in the MH is presented. Specific habitat requirements and scarce knowledge about endangered and endemic flora species are a conservation obstacle, since essential information to define species conservation strategies may be lacking. We show that anticipating conservation strategies can minimize time-lag uncertainties related to restoration success and biodiversity offsets. The more effort is placed in the preventative steps of the MH, the smaller the time-lag between impact (biodiversity losses) and conservation outcomes (biodiversity gains), decreasing uncertainties and reducing risks to biodiversity.

The Quadrilátero Ferrífero (Iron Quadrangle [IQ]), in Minas Gerais, Brazil, exhibits high geological and geomorphological diversity, reflected by its high heterogeneity of vegetation. Its rock outcrops, particularly ironstone, harbor endemicrich plant communities and contribute substantially to the biodiversity of the biomes they are embedded within the Atlantic Rainforest and Cerrado region. The aim of this study was determining the distribution, phenology and state of conservation of one new species for science with occurrence in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero. Random walks were carried out in the areas of potential occurrence of the species and individuals were collected to allow description. The plant species was identified and categorized as being new to science and known only from this location: Agalinis marianae (Orobanchaceae). This new species is morphologically similar to A. itambensis but can be recognized by the smaller pedicels and the shape of the corolla. The distinct geographic distribution of these species is an additional factor that supports this separation. Here, we describe and illustrate A. marianae, and provide notes on its distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status. We also present a key to the species of Agalinis from Minas Gerais.