Between 14 and 15 December 2024, the municipality of Araçuaí (Minas Gerais), located in the Jequitinhonha Valley, hosted the first Thematic Workshop of the LIQUIT project (Local, Indigenous, Quilombola and Traditional Communities). The aim of the event was to foster dialogue between researchers and representatives of local communities, including traditional communities, within a space designed to amplify the voices of territories threatened by the expansion of lithium mining. It also sought to facilitate the systematisation of experiences, concerns, and collective demands.
Held at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Araçuaí, the workshop brought together representatives from approximately 28 communities in the region, including from the municipalities of Araçuaí, Virgem da Lapa, Coronel Murta, Berilo, Presidente Kubitschek, Serro, and Indaiabira. A total of 61 participants were formally registered, although the actual number of attendees was likely higher due to the arrival of additional visitors over the course of the two days. Attendees included representatives from various traditional and rural communities, such as Quilombola, Indigenous, and riverside communities, among others.
The workshop was attended and organised by 27 members of the LIQUIT team, comprising researchers affiliated with a range of institutions: the Observatory of the Valleys and Semi-Arid Region of Minas Gerais (UFVJM), the Interdisciplinary Centre for Socio-Environmental Research (NIISA/Unimontes), the Study Group on Environmental Themes (GESTA/UFMG), and London South Bank University (LSBU).
The programme on Saturday (14 December) began with the collective creation of an artistic-pedagogical installation entitled “The Voices of the Territories”. Each participant was invited to contribute to a collective altar by offering a symbolic object representing what they consider sacred in their territory. Among the shared items were various foods produced by the communities, handicrafts, musical instruments, seeds, medicinal remedies, and plants. Marked by a strong female presence, the moment highlighted the diversity of ways of life and the centrality of care for the land, water, and ancestral knowledge. A guiding question prompted reflection throughout the activity: “What has happened or is happening in the communities that these sacred things now need protection?” This opened space for participants to reflect on the threats facing their territories.
In the afternoon, a mapping activity took place, during which communities analysed maps overlaying the locations of their territories with areas affected by mining rights. This collective reading led to a round of sharing, where participants recounted the situations experienced in their communities. These accounts revealed deep concern regarding the advance of mining projects—many of which had previously been unknown to local residents. One community member noted: “We’re all feeling quite disheartened. Our map shows a large number of lithium claims under research, some of which have already been authorised. We were surprised today to find that a significant area has already been approved for future exploration. We thought we were somewhat free from this, that it would take longer.” Despite the alarming scenario, participants recognised the power of information as a form of resistance. As another representative stated: “We didn’t know the mining situation was this serious. Knowledge makes all the difference—once we have it, we are already one step ahead.” The evening concluded with a cultural activity featuring active participation from the communities and a musical performance by violeiros (traditional guitar players) from the community of Itira.
On Sunday (15 December), the programme continued with the sharing of experiences related to territorial rights and strategies of resistance. This session included contributions from representatives of the MAB (Movement of People Affected by Dams), the Quilombola Community of Queimadas (Serro), and the Raiz Quilombo (Presidente Kubitschek). The session enabled the exchange of experiences in the struggle to secure rights and resist the threats posed by mining. The morning also featured a presentation of the booklet “Places of Rights: Understanding Environmental Licensing”, produced by GESTA/UFMG, which aims to disseminate knowledge about environmental licensing as a tool for defending territorial rights. After lunch, a lawyer from the Luiz Gama Network presented a legal overview of the rights of traditional peoples and communities, along with legal strategies to counter the expansion of mining ventures. Special emphasis was placed on the right to Free, Prior and Informed Consent, as outlined in ILO Convention 169.
To conclude the workshop, the LIQUIT project’s lines of work were presented, and future perspectives were discussed. The closing ritual symbolised the possible unfolding outcomes of the workshop, drawing inspiration from the flow of the waters of the Jequitinhonha River.
