The Law Found in the Pampa: The struggle against neoextractivist mining in a region of the Brazilian biome

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48075/amb.v7i2.34641

Abstract

The article analyzes the socio-environmental conflict in Palmas, in the Alto Camaquã region, where the Pampa biome remains well-preserved. In 2016, a mineral exploration project was proposed, sparking a popular mobilization against its implementation. This qualitative research, using participant observation and semi-structured interviews, investigates the struggle between neoextractivism, represented by mining, and local resistance, since the proposal for mineral exploration was shelved after years of resistance, reflecting the success of the movement. The article asks: what motivates the fight against mining in Palmas, and how is this connected to the sociobiodiversity of the Pampa? In this context, concepts such as neoextractivism, sociobiodiversity, and popular sovereignty are discussed. The analysis, based on the hermeneutic-dialectical perspective and the Theory of Environmental Justice, reveals strong opposition to mining projects in the Pampa, linked to the region's sociobiodiversity and the local cultural connection. This resistance led to the proposal of recognizing the Pampa as a "mining-free territory," an idea gaining support in community discussions that could influence public policies on mining in Brazil, reflecting the importance of popular sovereignty in the formulation of laws and policies.

Keywords: Pampa biome; Socio-environmental conflict; Sociobiodiversity; Neoextractivism; Mining-free territory.

 

Author Biography

  • Isabel Foletto Curvello, UFSM

    Possui graduação em Direito pela Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (2021), graduação em Programa Especial de Graduação de Formação de Professores para a Educação Profissional pela Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (2024) e mestrado em Direito (Direitos da Sociobiodiversidade) pela Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (2023).  Atua principalmente nos seguintes temas: sociobiodiversidade, direitos da sociobiodiversidade, pensamento decolonial, neoextrativismos, criminoloia verde e injustiça ambiental.

Published

26/12/2025

How to Cite

The Law Found in the Pampa: The struggle against neoextractivist mining in a region of the Brazilian biome. AMBIENTES: Revista de Geografia e Ecologia Política, [S. l.], v. 7, n. 2, 2025. DOI: 10.48075/amb.v7i2.34641. Disponível em: https://saber.unioeste.br/index.php/ambientes/article/view/34641. Acesso em: 9 jun. 2026.