Tragédias brasileiras contemporâneas: o caso do rompimento da barragem de rejeitos de Fundão/Samarco

Introduction: the Fundao/Samarco tailings dam collapse, which took place in Minas Gerais in 2015, is considered one of the worst Brazilian socio-environmental tragedies. Objective: to discuss the dam collapse, its damage and repercussions on the affected workers and population, as well as the role of the State in defending the interests of these populations. Method: this article is based on reports by official organizations, academic groups and social movements, in addition to media news. Discussion: the documents indicate the State’s inability in effectively exercising its role as controller and inspector. They reveal the vulnerability of the affected population that is crushed by a development model that weakens their collective organization, social representation, and political capacity to claim for rights. The investigation on the responsibilities, indemnity actions, and measures for recovering environmental, occupational, and sanitary damages may not fairly and satisfactorily meet the collective interests of workers and their families, as well as those of the entire affected population. This situation points out to the need for a broad social mobilization process aimed at recovering the dignity and rights which were violated by this severe tragedy.