Conflicts between mineral exploration and environmental conservation: an analysis of the dual role of geoscientists considering geoethics

Abstract

Historically, mineral exploration, prospecting, and extraction have been subjects of debate, with positions ranging from endorsement to criticism. In Brazil, these activities date back to the colonial period and intensified particularly from the 1940s onward, driven by the commercial exploitation of mineral resources and petroleum. In the early 21^st century, technological advances expanded extraction and increased the demand for new port terminals in response to the intensification of international trade and changes in global logistics. This context has generated conflicts between the production and transportation of mineral resources and environmental conservation. In recent decades, geoscientists have emphasized that the impact of human activities on Earth already exceeds that of natural forces. In this scenario, the article analyses the tension between mineral extraction and conservation, highlighting the dual role of geoscientists in light of geoethics. To this end, two case studies are examined: mining in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, focusing on Serra do Curral in Minas Gerais State, and the debate over the construction of a port terminal in Ponta Negra, Rio de Janeiro State. These cases highlight the need for a geoethical approach, throughout the entire production chain, including legal aspects and intergenerational rights.