摘要：In this paper, it is argued that, in the Brazilian context, large-scale mining generates significant environmental impact and considerable challenges to the dynamization of the local economy. The argument is based on a case-study on Itabira (MG); the research indicates serious local environmental and social problems, in addition to structural difficulties in promoting policies for economic diversification and in overcoming its economic dependence on the mining sector. The research is based on literature review and semi-structured interviews with key-informants. It considers the history of Itabira, the installation of the Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (CVRD), as well as social and economic aspects of the local development. The study suggests there are economic issues intrinsic to the extractive sector that restrict the flourishing and consolidation of other sectors. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the economic dynamics of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero region becomes imperative to debate the overcoming of a development model based on mineral extraction.
