Alterações geomorfológicas e danos aos pequenos produtores rurais atingidos pelo rompimento da barragem de Fundão na bacia do rio do Carmo - MG

Abstract

The biggest environmental crime in the history of Brazil occurred on November 5, 2015: the breaking of Fundão tailings dam, belonging to Samarco Mineração S. A., located in Mariana (MG). This event released a large volume of mining tailings, killing 19 people and causing countless damages to the physical, biotic and socio-economic-cultural sphere. This tragedy arises the interest to study the geomorphological changes caused by the deposition of the tailings, from the Fundão dam to the confluence of Carmo and Piranga rivers, evaluating the consequences of these geomorphological changes to small farmers in the area. For the interpretation of these changes, we used Google Earth Pro software images and ESRI ArcGIS software to make photo interpretations and mappings. Fieldwork was also done to recognize the studied area. Then, with the aid of photo interpretation, fieldwork and bibliographic review, an interaction matrix for environmental assessment was created based on the Leopold Matrix. The interactions on this matrix allowed to list the possible damages to the rural producers. Subsequently, when visiting their properties, we presented the list to the interviewers as a semi-structured quiz. Through these fieldworks, semi-structured interviews with rural producers, and the exchange of knowledge resulting from this interaction, it was possible to understand how the changes in geomorphology have become environmental damages to the rural producers, interfering negatively in their ways of living. Finally, we reaffirm that this work has a great importance, since this disruption is an event that has caused many changes, which is still recent and needs more in-depth studies to reveal its real consequences.