Brumadinho’s painful “seas of mud”

This article was originally posted on projetopreserva.com.br (in Portugese)

Each person was affected in a uniquely manner by this tragedy. The mother who lost her daughter. The wife left without her husband. The children permanently deprived of a parent. The surviving worker who lost dozens of friends. The community stripped of its identity, its peace, and its river. The local defenders that had warned about Vale’s negligent practices before the tragedy, but were ignored. So many dreams and life plans shattered. Everyone with different memories, sorrow, and suffering physical, psychological, and emotional consequences.

What collective popular memory has been built by the affected population? Which memories will remain from this tragedy? How will this story be told to future generations? The answers to these questions are still in the making and greatly depend on everyone’s critical thinking, responsibility and actions taken. What do you think when you see a sophisticated Vale’s propaganda in prime-time television? Do you believe in the narrative that Minas Gerais state cannot survive without mining, and that we all must accept it as a "necessary evil"? Vigilance is crucial to avoid having your opinion manipulated by those who do not care about you.

For those who have lost and suffered in so many levels due to Vale’s decisions, it is painful to hear statements such as: “It was all very tragic, but Vale has already paid significant compensation and learned from the tragedy.”; “The state signed a multi-billion-dollar agreement benefiting many people.”; “Justice institutions are monitoring dams.”; “It’s time to forget and move on.”

Last week, the activities marking the six-year anniversary of Brumadinho’s criminal tragedy aimed to alert society for the urgency of a structural change in the mining business model. Despite the significant power imbalances between Vale and the affected communities, no one should forget, downplay, or normalize the atrocities and the violations committed by Vale, together with its accomplices and allies, before and after January 2019.

This year, the central message of AVABRUM (the victims’ families association) emphasizes the memories of the irreparable losses. No amount of money in the world can bring back the smell, the voice, or the embrace of a loved one who was murdered.

If the corporations’ punishment is only based on fines and financial compensations, the mining sector will continue its policy of profit over (dead) people. The criminal investigations revealed documents with a budget forecast for a dam collapse: Vale calculated how many lives could be lost and how much compensations would cost—and made its choice. Criminal justice must show that corporations are not above the law and hold accountable those who knew the risks, had a duty to act, and yet chose to remain silent. Only a guilty verdict will serve as a warning sign to all decision-makers in companies who put human lives and the ecological balance of the planet at risk.

The future of the regions Córrego do Feijão and Jangada is another significant question. After all the devastation, trauma and suffering, these areas urgently need social, environmental and cultural healing, regeneration and preservation. The federal government must reclaim the territory by revoking the mining rights given to Vale and its associates and the Minas Gerais state government must cancel all environmental licenses granted for mineral exploitation in the region. The land must return to the people for projects and initiatives that promote social and economic well-being for all.

After more than a decade of community resistance to mining and six years of post-crime struggle, we’ve learned in Brumadinho that it’s impossible to trust Vale’s good faith. Governments and the judicial system must show that they are not aligned to serve and protect the interests of those with the most economic power.

What can be done when companies and governments fail to take action and prevent mining crimes? Resist and mobilize people with art, debates, denunciations, public protests, solidarity actions, technical and political training, research, investigations, and much more. Join a collective and move forward with love for life and a commitment to truth.

About Carolina de Moura

Journalist specialist Environmental Management & Sustainability, Brumadinho resident, and Project Lótus Coordinator, at the Cordilheira Institute, promoting creative economy among women defending territories in conflict with mining. Part of the Political Coordination of the Latin American Network of Women Defenders of Social and Environmental Rights. Regular collaborations with international organizations seeking accountability and due diligence for companies and foreign investors involved in the mining chain, including UN hearings and European Parliament activities. She is the protagonist of the documentary “The Illusion of Abundance.”