Assessment of environmental impacts from mineral extraction in the Amazon

This book discusses the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) methods used for Class II Submerged Pit Mining (Sand). The study was carried out in the municipality of Redenção, Pará, Brazil. It is marked by a historical occupational context of logging and mineral extraction. Mining activity has been gaining ground in the municipality, causing significant changes and consequent environmental impacts. The fact that this activity is carried out without a responsible technician has reversible and irreversible environmental impacts. This led to the need to assess the environmental impacts from 2013 to 2016 using the techniques of overlay mapping, check-listing and interaction matrices. The aggravating factors of the environmental impacts were highlighted by the EIA techniques in the years 2013 to 2015, and with the overlay mapping technique it was possible to quantify the amount of illegally exploited area.