NEO-EXTRACTIVISM – MINING AND ITS SOCIAL-SPATIAL IMPACTS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SERRO, MG, BRAZIL

Leonardo Castriota; Edwiges Leal; Cláudia Nunes de Lima e Andrade

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Paper Title

NEO-EXTRACTIVISM – MINING AND ITS SOCIAL-SPATIAL IMPACTS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SERRO, MG, BRAZIL

Authors

Leonardo Castriota
Edwiges Leal
Cláudia Nunes de Lima e Andrade

Modality

Abstract

Subject area

4. Contemporary Challenges in Heritage Discourse - A critical examination of the state of the art in heritage discussions, considering the evolving perspectives and challenges that have emerged since the inception of the Venice Charter. Examining the relevance of the Venice Charter in the current context, with a focus on challenges posed by the Western divide between nature and culture, the growing importance of metropolises, social inequities, the environmental impact of human activities, disasters and conflicts, among others.

Publishing Date

11/04/2025

Country of Publishing

Brazil | Brasil

Language of Publishing

Inglês

Paper Page

https://www.even3.com.br/anais/icomos-scientific-symposium-2024-439820/881613-neo-extractivism--mining-and-its-social-spatial-impacts-in-the-municipality-of-serro-mg-brazil

ISBN

978-65-272-1284-3

Keywords

heritage, risk, cultural assets, development, social inequities, indicators

Summary

The rise in value of commodities at the beginning of the 21st century led to the expansion of mineral extraction in Brazilian territories, creating what has come to be known as “neo-extractivism”. In other words, a development model based on exploiting large volumes of natural resources for export without processing. The expansion of this model strengthens the control of territories by large enterprises, in addition to accumulation by spoliation. Furthermore, its methods lead to the waste of resources such as water and energy, making other economic activities unviable. Thus, with the support of governments that aim to compensate damage through income transfer policies, neo-extractivism promotes capital accumulation while generating huge environmental liabilities locally and widening social inequalities. In this context, four mining companies are planning projects in sensitive and biodiverse areas in the municipality of Serro, MG. There are concerns regarding the socio-spatial implications neo-extractivism might have for Serro and its traditional communities. Nestled in the Serra do Espinhaço, Serro has a unique cultural landscape where the "serranos" preserve strong ties with their territories. Its mountainous terrain is home to several waterfalls and springs, like that of the Jequitinhonha River, whose basin was listed by the Constitution of the State of Minas Gerais (1989). This terroir defines the characteristics of Queijo do Serro, an internationally recognized national heritage. The significance of its architecture was acknowledged by the national listing of its urban complex in 1938. In addition to these, other protected assets stand out, such as its vernacular technical-constructive knowledge, traditional ways of living, agri-food, and culinary systems. Also noteworthy are the celebrations and devotions, as well as the ancestors' language, kept in the seven Quilombola communities certified by the Palmares Cultural Foundation and others that are still in the process of being recognized. With an economy based on small-scale farming, just over 10% of its 21,952 inhabitants (2022) are formally employed. To anticipate what might happen in Serro, in addition to consulting secondary sources on this initial process, we conducted fieldwork. Interviews with local agents and technical visits to traditional communities revealed indications of changes in commercial expectations and increased pressure on rural areas. Furthermore, based on scientific studies in the social and human fields, we conducted a comparative analysis involving a neighboring municipality with similar characteristics called Conceição do Mato Dentro. The results indicate a potential fraying of social and territorial ties, which are essential for preserving the customs and intangible heritage of the serranos, potentially impacting the conservation of their architectural heritage with the loss of their masters and craftsmen’s fundamental knowledge. In order to protect intangible assets, feasibility studies must assess the precariousness of life in traditional communities resulting from neo-extractivism. The prevalent indicators for measuring development seem not to reflect the local reality. There is a need for recommendations to be incorporated into licensing processes and to safeguard human rights, preventing damage that cannot be mitigated or compensated for.

Title of the Event: ICOMOS SCIENTIFIC SYMPOSIUM 2024
City of the Event: Ouro Preto
Title of the Proceedings of the event: ICOMOS 2024 Scientific Symposium Proceedings
Name of the Publisher: Even3
Means of Dissemination: Meio Digital

How to cite

CASTRIOTA, Leonardo; LEAL, Edwiges; ANDRADE, Cláudia Nunes de Lima e. NEO-EXTRACTIVISM – MINING AND ITS SOCIAL-SPATIAL IMPACTS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF SERRO, MG, BRAZIL.. In: ICOMOS 2024 Scientific Symposium Proceedings. Anais...Ouro Preto(MG) Convention Center / UFOP/ UFMG Campus, 2024. Available in: https//www.even3.com.br/anais/icomos-scientific-symposium-2024-439820/881613-NEO-EXTRACTIVISM--MINING-AND-ITS-SOCIAL-SPATIAL-IMPACTS-IN-THE-MUNICIPALITY-OF-SERRO-MG-BRAZIL. Access in: 31/08/2025