ASPECTS OF IMPACTS OF MINING AND EXPLORATION QUARTZITE IN PIRENÓPOLIS-GO

Abstract

The municipality of Pirenópolis-GO, together with neighboring municipalities (Corumbá and Cocalzinho), accounts for most of the mineral production of ornamental quartzite of the state of Goias. The quartzite, used widely in construction as coating is, by mining method in the open pit, mined in the city since the colonial period, in a rudimentary form, by hand-labor family. Before any legislation which regulates the activity of mining, the exploration of quartzite accumulated over little more than a century, a large environmental liabilities due to the lack of technical improvement, organization and rationalization of activity. This study aimed to understand the general aspects of the production of quartzite and the main impacts of the activity in the municipality. We conclude that the main environmental impacts of the mining of quartzite are related to the past and current disposal tailings and with risk to workers' health at various stages of production. This work was justified by the necessity of studying the environmental realities and socio-economic activity from mining of quartzite in the region of Pirenopolis, that answer by hundreds of direct and indirect jobs.