Participação comunitária na gestão de riscos de desastres por ruptura de barragens de rejeitos de minério: o caso de Conceição do Mato Dentro/MG

Abstract

This study investigates community participation in Disaster Risk Management for Mining Tailings Dam Failures – DRM-TDF, in Conceição do Mato Dentro, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Recognising that disasters result from the interaction between adverse events and vulnerable social systems, this research aims to contribute to more effective DRMTDF strategies by strengthening community involvement in decision-making processes. Specific objectives include identifying the vulnerabilities affecting community participation in the DRMTDF process, categorising vulnerability, analysing internal community limitations and external impacts on them (public management and the mining company), and, finally, prioritising weaknesses and threats, resulting from the analysis, with the aim of proposing future measures to reduce vulnerabilities. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to community leaders, and open interviews were conducted with DRM-TDF specialists. Responses were categorised based on vulnerability factors, considering criticality (communities) and support capacity (public management and the mining operator). SWOT analysis was used to identify 'weaknesses' and 'threats', while Pareto analysis assisted in prioritising critical aspects. The results revealed that Brazilian public policies and the legal framework have demonstrated limited effectiveness in fulfilling the guidelines of the Sendai Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals. Communities lack effective participation in DRMTDF-related decisions, and the lack of trust in institutions and the mining operator exacerbates social vulnerability. Pareto analysis highlighted the physical and mental resilience of communities, disaster risk management, reliability in the mining operator, and the weight of traditions as critical aspects to be addressed. The research emphasises the need to review current DRM-TDF practices, ensuring the rights of affected communities through their effective participation in decisions. It suggests the implementation of inclusive educational programmes in risk management, adapted to the specific needs of each community, and the strengthening of social participation policies and control and transparency mechanisms. The study's limitations include the restricted number of participating communities and the reliance on self-reported data. As the research is limited to the case of the

municipality of Conceição do Mato Dentro, the results should not be generalised. However, the findings provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for strengthening community participation in DRMTDF and can serve as a basis for future investigations in other contexts. In summary, the research highlights the importance of an inclusive and collaborative approach to DRMTDF, one that recognises the fundamental role of affected communities and promotes social justice and sustainability.