Visit to Brazil, Report of the Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes ore dams in Brazil, 41 of which are tailings dams, and 82% in Minas Gerais. 18 In the “iron quadrangle” in Minas Gerais, Vale alone has 28 open pit mines, and communities in nearby cities cite grave environmental impacts including on access to water, such as from the Paraopeba river basin.19 Manufacturing 19. Throughout Brazil, factories and plants are located in unimaginably close proximity to communities, who are subjected to grave infringements of their human rights. 20 While manufacturing contributes to the country’s economic growth, its output comes with significant externalities, including climate change, cancer, and respiratory diseases, among many other impacts on local communities.21 Studies from Rio de Janeiro have found air pollution levels exceeding WHO standards, as well as elevated levels of toxic heavy metals. 22 A study in Sao Paolo found that air pollution contributes to increased susceptibility to various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. 23 20. The struggle of over 300 families in Piquiá de Baixo24 is emblematic. In the 1970s, a steel industry invaded a peaceful community without their consent, a glaring example of industry operating for decades without adequate regard for human rights, and limited State intervention. Community members live across the fence from steel plants. Vale supplies iron ore and transports processed products to ports for export, amidst the expansion of the minerail-port transportation system along the Carajás export corridor. Alarmingly, the steel factories in Açailândia have been operating without licenses for at least eight years, as they failed to meet environmental requirements.25 21. Studies reveal multiple cases of health problems including coughs, shortness of breath and wheezing, and headaches.26 Sixty five percent of community members reported respiratory problems, with others suffering from ophthalmological diseases, and various skin conditions, aggravated by the pollution.27 Community members have been burnt from the slag and residues from pig iron, where the waste area was not properly fenced off, and no proper signalling of danger and the risks associated with contact with the pig iron. 28 Despite unmistakably hazardous pollution, data provided to the Government by the companies does not suggest that it is above levels of concern. The Government has not investigated or sanctioned the companies. 22. The situation of the communities in Piquiá de Baixo is a clear violation of rights to life, health, information, and many others. At the same time, this case reveals an incredible story of a community’s cohesion and resilience in fighting for their rights. 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 Vale (2020) http://www.vale.com/en/aboutvale/reports/atualizacoes_brumadinho/pages/learn-moreabout-vales-dams.aspx ; Geraldo Wilson Fernandes et al (2016) https://cirdi.ca/wpcontent/uploads/2017/07/Deep-into-the-mud-ecological-and-socio-economic-impacts-of-the-dambreach-in-Mariana-Brazil.pdf; Carlos Machado Freitas and Mariano Andrade da Silva (2019) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7138502/. Movimento pelas Serras e Águas de Minas, Movimento pela Preservação da Serra do Gandarela (2014). Carvalho, LVB, Rocha, F, Finamore, R . (2019 / Dec). http://www.cienciaesaudecoletiva.com.br/artigos/vigilancia-popular-ambiental-e-siderurgia-asexperiencias-de-piquia-de-baixo-ma-e-santa-cruz-rj/17475?id=17475. Id. Rosa I. Rodríguez-Cotto et al (2014) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4448729/. Environmental Justice Atlas, https://ejatlas.org/conflict/pig-iron-industries-in-piquia-de-baixomaranhao-brazil. FIDH, Justiça nos Trilhos (JnT) (May 2019) https://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/bresil734anglaisweb2019.pdf. NEEPES, ENSP, FIOCRUZ (September 2018) http://mapadeconflitos.ensp.fiocruz.br/?conflito=maindustria-guseira-contaminacao-da-agua-falta-de-seguranca-e-condicoes-improprias-a-vida-e-a-saudedos-moradores-do-distrito-industrial-de-pequia-acailandia. FIDH, Justiça Global, JnT(2012) https://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/report_brazil_2012_english.pdf. FIDH, JnT (May 2019) https://www.fidh.org/IMG/pdf/bresil734anglaisweb2019.pdf. 5