Mining, environmental degradation and archaeology. Minas Gerais, Brazil 18th Century

Abstract

By late 17th century Brazil’s central region was the scenario of an intensive process of mineral exploitation -gold and diamonds- which came to be known as “Golden Cycle”. Using techniques developed due to environmental conditions, the mining activity provoked impact on the landscape and environment which can be identified as archaeological records at present. Destruction of the vegetation cover, radical changes in the natural form of the land, the silting and dryness of watercourses are some of the consequences the extraction process caused. Nowadays, the old exploited areas present evidences of a natural recovery, placing the archaeological remains as elements to be preserved, both from a patrimonial and environmental perspective. This paper studies the way in which these vestiges are presented as well as its relevance for the study of the history of mining, environmental degradation and patrimonial issues.