Políticas empresariais “sociais” implementadas em comunidades atingidas por projetos minerometalúrgicos no estado do Pará

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the “social” corporate policies implemented in communities affected by mining-metallurgical projects. Its main objective is to identify how policies are structured, what communication strategies are used, and what are the socio-environmental impacts caused in affected communities. Critical social theory was used to analyze the data and information obtained, which involved mining companies from the three mesoregions that make up the state of Pará. In the empirical research, representatives of communities, government, corporate companies and private organizations were interviewed using the following methodological tools: on-site observation/interviews, field diary, writing and transcription of interviews, analysis and systematization of interviews, and essay writing. The main results of the research indicate that the "socially responsible" stance affirmed by the corporate companies is based on the need to create consensuses in the communities, to reduce local poverty and to establish the legitimacy of the company over the territory; and also that strategic communication methodologies have influenced the way of thinking and acting of those affected by the mining and the professionals involved, due to the existence of life conditions materialized in everyday life and create illusory concepts to explain the reality of those who suffer the socio-environmental impacts of mining-metallurgical projects. In addittion, it is concluded that despite the economic growth generated by mining and the investment in “social” corporate policies to mitigate socio-environmental impacts in the cities surveyed the communities affected by mining-metallurgical projects continue to suffer from violations of rights and intensification of social, political, economic, cultural, territorial and labor inequalities.