#79: Rio Doce basin

In 2015, a huge dam broke in the upper reaches of the Rio Doce basin and spilled iron mining sludge into the Rio Gualaxo do Norte, Rio do Carmo and finally into the Rio Doce. 600 river kilometers until the Rio Doce’s mouth into the Atlantic ocean were polluted, river bed and shore covered with fine mining tailings. Many species died and the water could not  be used for drinking for a while. The ecological river quality has collapsed due to the disaster. Fishing is prohibited in parts of the basin. Towns and several houses were destroyed, and many people had to be resettled. Tourism close to the mouth stagnated. Nineteen casualties have been registered. There is an ongoing conflict between land and water use for mining versus urban settlements and their needs for secure land and clean water. In 2019, another large-scale dam spill occurred, this time at the Paraopeba River basin (São Francisco River basin) causing so far 270 casualties. In addition, many smaller-scale dam failures have occurred in the past and are still occurring, not very well-known or reported upon. Many more dams are at risk of failure according to test reports. Organizational and legislative structures are in place, but are not properly applied. No learning occurred from the first large-scale disaster. It is currently at question if learning from the last large-scale disaster  will occur. The foundation Renova was put in place and is funded by the mining company Samarco in order to restore the river, its shores, ecology and to manage the payment of compensation to the people affected.