Mining disaster in the Doce River: Dilemma between governance and participation

Abstract

In this article, we assess how the demand for participation modified the governance structure initially proposed to deal with the reparation of impacts caused by the failure of the Fundão dam in Mariana (Minas Gerais, Brazil). Throughout the text, we identify how mining companies sought to build a solution based on a complex structure of governance with the consent of government agencies. We also verify that, in contrast, social movements pressured justice institutions for alternatives that guarantee some level of participation of the affected communities. As a result of this interaction, we argue that a hybrid system was created, which proved excessively slow, highly inefficient and unable to meet the main demands of the affected people.

Barriers to local community participation in mining projects: The eroding role of power imbalance and information asymmetry

“…This empirical observation is related to the perception that regulatory and government agencies are not very effective. Indeed, Losekann and Milanez (2021) and Milanez et al (2021) also observed this aspect in the previous Mariana and Brumadinho disasters. Residents and community members do not generally observe any effective mediation by the proper authorities between the company and community members.…”

“…Public agencies are also important in mediating governance structures for community representation. Losekann and Milanez (2021) analysed the Mariana disaster and observed the need for public agencies to mediate in post-disaster situations in order to ensure that the governance structures assigned to communities in formal agreements are representative. They observed that the company's adoption of multiple meanings of the term 'participation' in formal agreements conceals the participation and interests of those community members who were actually impacted by the disaster.…”

COVID-19 Pandemic and Compassionate Leadership: Lessons Learned from Woman in Local Governance

“…The purpose of compassionate leadership is to improve the welfare of society, protect society in difficult situations, and prevent the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as death (de Zulueta, 2021;Shuck et al, 2019). The complex challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have forced all government organisations to change processes, governance, and handling patterns to deal with difficult situations in society that require more solutions (Baudier et al, 2021;Losekann & Milanez, 2021). Improvements in sophisticated governance instruments, stakeholder synergy, and collaborative action by those willing to work tirelessly with quick steps to solve problems in difficult situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic (Baudier et al, 2021;Musa, 2022).…”