Correlating geodiversity and mining in the seridó UNESCO Global Geopark: Spatial and impact analysis in brazilian northeast

Abstract

Mining areas can provide important information for interpreting the geodiversity and geological heritage of an area, which also results in the need for special attention to conservation in terms of inventory, impact studies, and recovery plans for degraded areas. The territory of the Seridó UNESCO Global Geopark, northeastern Brazil, has several mining districts linked to the production of scheelite, gold, gemstones, dimensional rocks, and kaolin. Thus, we aimed to assess the impact of mining on the geopark's geodiversity and geoheritage. Through cartographic analysis, mineral resources and mining areas were observed, overlapping with geodiversity mapping, geosites' proximity to exploration areas, and abiotic ecosystem services generated or interrupted by mining. The results showed a wide diversity of resources and different relationships between geodiversity hotspots, geosites, and mining areas. The mineral exploitation could be fundamental for sustainable development in the geopark, considering proper conditions of ecosystem services balancing, and adequate use of international geoheritage and geoconservation policies in active mining. Furthermore, the paper presented that abiotic nature should be considered in environmental impact assessments and mining restoration plans. The geopark management should continue to develop initiatives to take advantage of mineral resources to promote sustainability.