BARRAGENS DE REJEITOS DE MINERAÇÃO: DESAFIOS E AVANÇOS NA PERSPECTIVA DA SUSTENTABILIDADE

Abstract

In recent years, socio-environmental disasters caused by tailings dam failures have caused deaths and considerable environmental impact, demonstrating human fragility in managing mining enterprises around the world. Brazil, as a mineral-rich country, has hundreds of tailings dams distributed throughout its national territory, with the challenge of managing these enterprises safely, avoiding accidents that can cause damage to life and the environment. This article aims to analyze the challenges presented in the construction methods of dams, as well as their safety, and to research alternatives used in waste management as a way of mitigating the impacts of this activity, contributing to sustainable mining. The study showed advances in the establishment of laws that regulate the construction method of dams, understanding that these constructions are part of prevention and safety. The management of dam safety through registration and monitoring has demonstrated a good strategy for monitoring risk situations and potential damages associated with them. The research also found initiatives for the use of ore waste in the manufacture of various products such as bricks, tiles, slag for roads, glass among others. Considering the study carried out, regulated construction with guaranteed safety in dams, as well as adequate management of ore waste with greater investments in research for its use in other sectors, combined with preservation and mitigation measures, demonstrate that it can be a way to minimize challenges in dam management and advance towards sustainable mining.