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.