Disaster governance and the role of civil society: A study of the mining disaster in Brumadinho, Brazil

Abstract

On January 25, 2019, the tailings dam of the Córrego do Feijão mine in the city of Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brazil, broke, causing a disaster of great proportions. The dam, classified as "low risk" but of "high potential for damage," had been inactive since 2015 and contained about 12 million cubic meters of iron mining tailings. The rupture resulted in the death of more than 270 people, environmental devastation, and contamination of the Paraopeba River. Thousands of people, including many traditional communities, were affected, resulting in economic, social, environmental, and public health impacts. Disasters like this are socially constructed processes resulting from vulnerability processes. This study investigates disaster governance in the context of civil society organizations in Brumadinho, analyzing the response and recovery actions after the dam collapse. The research used a qualitative approach, with case studies, documents, interviews, and participant observation. The results showed the formation of networks of civil society organizations to respond to the disaster but also revealed instability and a lack of confidence in the governance system. The inadequate response of the Vale company and the local government highlighted the importance of civil society participation and the need for improvement in risk and disaster management.