SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF MINING IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CHAPADA DA NATIVIDADE - TOCANTINS, BRAZIL

Abstract

The objective of this study is to make a reflective analysis of the socio-environmental impacts of mining in the municipality of Chapada da Natividade/TO. For this, the perception of high school students from a state school were analyzed through the speeches presented in a debate, the records of the activities of the mining company Engegold in Chapada da Natividade through the analysis of documents on the website of the National Mining Agency, and the perception of the local community and authorities through the analysis of a meeting that took place at the Chapada da Natividade City Council. Only one visible benefit of mining in the municipality was highlighted, which is the generation of employment for the residents, and several harms such as the dust from the sterile soil piles, which consequently brings economic and health damages to the residents, cracks in the walls of the houses , noise pollution and destruction of historical heritage. The population does not seem to be being clarified about the issues related to the inspection of mineral exploitation, exploration of mineral resources, as well as the collection and collection of the Financial Compensation for the Exploration of Mineral Resources from the mining company to the municipality. In this sense, the municipal government should provide trained professionals in the mining area to meet the needs of the population.