Analysis of land use change after the Brumadinho tragedy and its legal implications

On January 25, 2019, the “Barragem I” in Brumadinho, state of Minas Gerais, caused significant socio-environmental damage when it burst. 665 victims were identified, with 270 deaths, and unprecedented environmental impacts in the watershed. In this study, we assess land use and land cover changes following the dam damage and the legal implications of these changes. The results show that the tailings extended over 306.95 hectares, burying approximately 98 buildings. Of this area, 45.9% was occupied by native vegetation, 22.19% by agricultural activities, and 2.5% by urban areas. The event caused irreversible impacts on the water quality of the Paraopeba River, decimating ecosystems, leading to socioeconomic destabilization of the region and violating legal environmental requirements. Principles and laws clarify that the principle of prevention, human dignity, and the laws of the National Policy on Dam Safety, the Federal Constitution, and the National Environmental Policy were violated.