Addressing socio-environmental conflicts in cases of coal mine subsidence in Brazil and the USA

Abstract

This paper analyzes social and environmental conflicts associated to the impacts of coal mine subsidence in Santa Catarina, Brazil and Illinois, USA, in order to identify the "lessons learned" by the agents involved in the implementation of subsidence regulation in Illinois that may be relevant for future environmental management of affected areas in Brazil. Illinois has considerable experience in subsidence because 2.8% of its area has been mined for coal. It is assumed that conflicts represent obstacles to sustainable development in the coal mining region of Santa Catarina. The methodology involved a literature review, questionnaires and interviews conducted with specialists in the coal mining industry. The most important lessons to draw from Illinois refer to the need to have thorough knowledge of the underground areas mined for coal so as to convey clear and objective information regarding the potential risks of subsidence. In addition, it is also important to offer subsidence insurance to the population.