Reports and impressions on technical visits to areas of disasters caused by failure of mining tailings dams in Mariana and Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Abstract

This article concerns an account of the impressions about the technical visits made by the researchers, geographers and members of the GEORISCO-UFRN Research Group, in the areas affected by disasters triggered by the failure of mining tailings dams owned by Samarco Mineração SA (joint venture of VALE SA and BHP Billiton), in the Bento Rodrigues district, Mariana municipality, and VALE S.A., in the municipality of Brumadinho, both in the State of Minas Gerais - MG, in Brazil. The article was based on field experience acquired on technical visits to disaster areas in Bento Rodrigues (Mariana) and Brumadinho. The authors' intention was to publicize the experiences gained during the technical visits and contribute to: 1. the appreciation of field activities in the area of geography and related sciences; 2. the dissemination of the experiences of victims and residents of the municipalities where the disasters covered in the article occurred; 3. The clarification, albeit partial, of some disaster logistics procedures carried out by the Fire Department of Minas Gerais, highlighting their relevance. Finally, this article sought to keep the discussion on the topic “Disaster Risk Reduction” in Brazil going, due to its importance for human and environmental security, and to expand both scientific production and discussion on this topic, along with the other social actors.