This case study examines the environmental disaster that occurred in the Municipality of Mariana, Minas Gerais, and Brazil, emphasizing its social, environmental, and legal implications, with particular attention to the Krenak Indigenous people. Drawing on qualitative bibliographic research, the study analyzes peer-reviewed scientific articles and credible news reports selected for their relevance and reliability. The paper reconstructs the sequence of events surrounding the dam collapse, identifies the principal actors involved, and evaluates the magnitude of environmental degradation, including contamination of water bodies, destruction of ecosystems, and long-term socio-economic losses. It further situates the disaster within Brazil’s historical context of structural violence against Indigenous populations, demonstrating how pre-existing marginalization intensifies vulnerability to environmental harm. From a legal perspective, the study discusses the nature of the criminal offenses associated with the catastrophe, including environmental crimes, corporate negligence, and violations of human and Indigenous rights. By integrating environmental justice and socio-legal analysis, the paper highlights the unequal distribution of risks and damages, as well as the persistent challenges of accountability and remediation. The study ultimately underscores the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, effective enforcement mechanisms, and inclusive policies that recognize Indigenous rights as central to environmental protection
Carlos Eduardo Nogueira Oliveira (Mon,) studied this question.