The tailings dam disaster in Mariana, Minas Gerais: Socio-environmental and management aspects of mining resources exploration

Abstract

This work addresses the relation between mining resources exploration and the need for cooperative and participatory environmental management amongst mining companies, managers, public entities and organised civil society. It also addresses the essential role of a territorial governance focused on socio-environmental protection. Consequently, the issues discussed here focus on the disaster that occurred in the municipality of Mariana, in the state of Minas Gerais, caused by the breaking of a tailings dam in November 2015. Likewise, the article highlights the role of institutional resources and the participation of organized society in the design of a policy aimed at the reduction of environmental risks.