Neoextractivism and corporate authoritarianism in the resettlement process of Bento Rodrigues, Mariana-MG

Abstract

This article investigates the dynamics of neoextractivism and corporate authoritarianism in the context of the Fundão Dam criminal disaster in Mariana, in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. It analyzes the role of Samarco, the company responsible, and the impact of its activities on the municipality, which, in 2015, culminated in the collapse of the dam. The study revisits the old urban-territorial structure of the community in Bento Rodrigues, a sub-district in Mariana, which was violently affected, examines the reparation process, administrated by the Renova Foundation, and reveals the lack of participation by the affected community and the violence that it has suffered. The Bento Rodrigues resettlement is explored as an example of corporate authoritarianism, where the reparation process has failed due to a lack of transparency, and has disrespected the community, imposing an urban and architectural structure that does not meet their needs and has mischaracterized their way of life.