Environmental conflict: an analysis of power asymmetry between social actors involved in the case of Ferrous Pipeline

ABSTRACT

This work intends to present the environmental conflict initiated due to the installation of pipeline Ferrous Ressources S / A, in the micro region of Viçosa-MG, building an analysis of the positioning of the main social actors involved, as well as their respective relations of power. Thepipeline of Ferrous will connect the complex Beam Mine in Congonhas-MG, the port of Ferrous Ressources in Presidente Kennedy-ES in order to export iron ore. To do so, were used as methodological procedures: bibliographical research; document analysis; semi-structured interviews with different actors; and follow-up meetings of the Popular Campaign Against the Water and Pipeline Ferrous, public hearings and demonstrations taken place in the Viçosa. Furthermore, there was monitoring of the pipeline discussion in local newspapers and on blogs. Thus, this study demonstrated that the Ferrous company, which owns high economic and symbolic power, assumes the role of dominating the conflict. On the other hand, those affected and social movements against the construction of the project, are sometimes in the role of dominated, leaving them to articulate strategies of resistance to delay / stop the construction of the pipeline. The state, in turn, assumes different roles in this context, demonstrating thereby weakness in mediation and conflict management established by pipeline Ferrous mainly in the micro region of Viçosa-MG.

Environmental conflict; Social actors; Pipeline