"O Rio é como o sangue da gente": mineração e ambiente nos campos do Alto Camaquã

This abstract ethnographically reflects about the movilization in defense of the Camaqua River, in the Serra do Sudeste, in the Brazilian pampa, based on questions raised along the Lida Campeira – National Inventory of Cultural References (INRC Lida Campeira) and the field work in the high part of the basin, in the “stone fields” or “campos dobrados”. The Alto Camaqua region, a mining target since the 18th century, presents a paradox: on one hand it is where the biodiversity of the pampa biome is preserved the most, on the other hand, it is considered as the poorest part of the state. In 2014, the transnational companies Nexa Resources (ex-Votorantim Metais) and Iamgold Corporation requested the opening of a mining Project of lead and other heavy metals in the district of Minas of Camaqua, with the expectation of using water from the river. In this sense, this text follows the lida campeira and the lifestyle of the inhabitants of Alto Camaqua, but also the historical mining experience – and resulting terror of it.