THE MARIANA AND BRUMADINHO MINE DISASTERS

WORK SHEET

Friday 8th March

1. Divide into 3 teams or working groups. Blog Random Name Selector. (John)
2. Very brief introduction and context with www.kahoot.it Game number: 321322. (John)
3. YouTube videos:
i. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_rMbXytjZ8
ii. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjiRCWi_zi4
4. Worksheet, and Information and Fact sheets from John
5. Distribution of working group activities.
i. Iron ore mining
ii. The Mariana and Brumadinho mining disasters
iii. Analysis and opinion
6. Research and collection of relevant data & information. All links must be kept and recorded.

Monday 11th March

7. Planning of three collections of data and information, and pictures and visuals, in the form of concept
map infographics, based on the questions and outlines in the work guide below. One from each
working group. Central subject title: MARIANA & BRUMADINHO DAM DISASTERS. Each group
should decide the structure and form for their concept map infographic, and decide on the materials
and paper which they require.
8. Preparation of concept map infographics

Friday 15th March

9. Display of concept map infographics on APES wall outside BS/Bachillerato staff lounge
10. Round table discussion of SOLUTIONS

Monday 18th March

11. Addition of SOLUTIONS infographic to APES wall.
WORK GUIDE

Geography (John)

Iron ore mining (Group 1)

1. What is iron ore?
2. How is iron ore usually mined?
3. What happens to the iron ore mined in Brazil? Where does it go? What is it used for?
4. Who are the world’s major iron ore mining companies? Who owns the ore mines in Brazil?
5. How much iron ore is mined around the world?
6. What are the residues from iron ore mining and how are they usually managed?
7. Some statistics about iron ore mining in Brazil:
a. How many ore mines in Brazil
b. How much ore is mined
c. Dams and risks in Brazil
d. Owners
e. Value of mined ore to Brazilian economy
f. Profits and incomes

The accidents – 1: Mariana and 2: Brumadinho (Group 2)

1. Dates
2. Places
3. Loss of life and injuries
4. What happened
5. Probable explanation of the causes of the dam breaks
6. Environmental consequences

Analysis and opinion (Group 3)

1. Could the dam breaks have been avoided?
2. Could loss of life, injuries and environmental damage have been limited?
3. What has been the response so far by:
a. The Brazilian government
b. The mining companies
c. Local communities
4. Who should carry the blame?
5. Corruption? Monopolies? Politics?
6. Employment offered by the mines v Risks

Solutions (Round table discussion - everyone)

1. To managing iron ore mines
2. To storing or managing iron ore mining wastes
3. Accountability
4. Legislation
5. Alternatives