An integrated geoethical approach to the conservation of speleological geoheritage in mining contexts in Brazil

Abstract

Caves, as ancient landscape features, provide valuable records of the planet's evolutionary history, including paleontological evidence and climatic conditions. They are culturally significant, offering rich biodiversity, including endemic species, and holding diverse heritage values that span geological, paleontological, biological, archaeological, and cultural dimensions. This study compares the National Mining Plan 2030 with the Research Plan in the Ferruginous Geosystems of Carajás, aiming to identify areas of convergence and divergence, with a focus on geoethics. The goal is to foster informed discussions on the ethical challenges of managing speleological heritage in the context of mining. Through an extensive review of literature on geoethics, mining, and speleological heritage, the study examines legal frameworks, public policies, and ethical guidelines relevant to cave conservation and mining. The research, centered on the Brazilian Ferruginous Geosystems, utilises data from official documents, academic studies, and case analyses. The findings reveal significant conflicts between conservation efforts and mining interests. The National Mining Plan prioritizes economic growth, often at the expense of environmental and cultural preservation, while the Research Plan emphasizes the need to protect speleological heritage but lacks integration with mining policies. The study highlights the need for an integrated approach that balances economic development with environmental conservation, rooted in geoethical principles. It advocates for interdisciplinary research and integrated public policies to address the complexities of conserving caves while supporting mining activities, ensuring the preservation of natural and cultural heritage for future generations through a geoethical framework.