Analysis of environmental fragility in a mineral exploration area in the Southern Region of Brazil

Abstract

Mining plays a pivotal role in society by supplying the raw materials essential for consumer goods and industrial and technological advancement, and it is witnessing a growing demand. However, the environmental toll of mining activities can be substantial, necessitating comprehensive environmental data to enable a robust analysis of the situation, which in turn allows the formulation of effective control and monitoring strategies. The primary objective of this study is to assess the environmental quality of a mineral exploration area in the Camaquã Mines region (Caçapava do Sul municipality, Southern Brazil). This assessment utilizes methods grounded in the empirical analysis of natural and anthropogenic environment fragility as proposed by Ross (1994), incorporating considerations of geomorphology, pedology, climatology, and land use, and classifies the area in five groups from very weak to very strong fragility. Based on the analysis developed in this work and in the cartographic products generated, the prevailing environmental class is characterized by moderate fragility. This research significantly contributes to comprehending the impacts of mining and the environmental conditions within the area of interest. The methodologies and findings presented here can serve as a foundational framework for subsequent studies in environmental and territorial planning geared towards achieving sustainable development aligned with economic growth.