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Discover how mining is reinventing itself with sustainable initiatives, transparency and a renewed commitment to society, following the biggest socio-environmental disasters in Brazil.
Transformative tragedies in mining
The disasters in Mariana in 2015 and Brumadinho in 2019 certainly left a profound mark on mining in Brazil. In fact, these events not only caused devastating human losses, but also left deep scars on the sector’s relationship with society. In addition, the environmental and social impacts generated remained a constant reminder of the need for change. Therefore, understanding the sector’s subsequent actions is essential to assess the future. Furthermore, it is undeniable that these events forever changed public perception of mining in the country.
Recovering the social license to operate
To overcome the impact of these tragedies, companies like Samarko, OK e BHP needed to adopt significant changes. Therefore, more than advertising strategies, it was necessary to implement concrete actions that demonstrated commitment to the communities. In this sense, it was crucial to demonstrate a genuine effort to repair the damage and prevent new incidents. Furthermore, transparent communication played a fundamental role in this process. In this way, the rebuilding of trust began to take shape. Still, the challenge remains, and efforts must continue steadily.
A past of resistance and controversy
Historically, mining has faced challenges related to illegal mining, which destroys ecosystems, inhumane work, as in Serra Pelada, and environmental impact, often denounced by cultural figures such as Carlos Drummond de Andrade. However, the industry has been moving towards sustainability and transparency, creating new narratives to transform this reality and change public perception. Furthermore, it is important to highlight that these advances were only possible due to social pressure and recognition of the importance of more responsible practices. Therefore, this transformation is underway, but still requires a lot of effort.
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Strategic actions that guide transformation
The separation of legal mining from illegal mining was a priority. To this end, the sector implemented tracking systems in partnership with institutions such as USP and WWF and reinforced oversight of the gold trade, generating greater control. In addition, it launched the International Conference on the Amazon and New Economies, promoting sustainable solutions and highlighting the concern for the balance between exploration and conservation. Finally, in light of the accidents, legislation was strengthened to ensure the declassification of critical dams, using tools such as the Prox app to increase transparency and ensure the safety of the population. With this, the sector seeks to demonstrate its seriousness and commitment to society and the environment.
Vale's Commitment to Transformation
After Brumadinho, Vale adopted concrete measures, such as eliminating critical dams by 2035, protecting 800 thousand hectares of forests and increasing diversity in its teams. Consequently, these initiatives strengthen the company's image and represent a milestone in the search for a more responsible, sustainable and committed sector. In addition, the company has invested in more open and accessible communication channels, getting closer to communities and listening to their demands. In this way, Vale positions itself as a leader in the implementation of innovative and responsible practices, which reflects its commitment to preventing similar tragedies from happening again.
Examples of humanized communication
Anglo American has strengthened ties with communities by using channels such as WhatsApp and promoting educational seminars, reaching out to people and reinforcing transparency. Gerdau, in turn, has invested in creative campaigns to engage the public, connecting steel to people’s daily lives, participating in popular events such as Rock in Rio and Salvador Carnival, humanizing its image and showing relevance. Furthermore, these initiatives demonstrate that effective communication is essential to strengthening the relationship between companies and society. Consequently, both companies have stood out as positive examples in this challenging scenario, contributing to improving public perception of the sector.
Trust as a pillar of the future
Although the wounds of Mariana and Brumadinho are still fresh, the sector’s initiatives point to a path of reconstruction. With campaigns such as “Minerals. Present in whatever you imagine”, mining seeks to reaffirm its importance and gain the public acceptance necessary to move forward, redefining its image and strengthening society’s trust. In addition, it is important to recognize that the continuous effort to promote safer and more sustainable practices is crucial to guarantee the support of the population. In this way, the sector works not only to correct past mistakes, but also to build a more promising and transparent future.
A transformation that mining in Brazil is undergoing goes beyond mere rhetoric. By combining innovation, sustainability and transparent actions, the sector is working to restore society’s trust and ensure a safer and more sustainable future. Ultimately, these changes demonstrate that a new chapter is being written. Therefore, it is essential that efforts continue, as commitment to society and the environment will be the true foundation for consolidating this transformation. Furthermore, the sector must continue to show tangible results to ensure the continuity of this progress.
