What happens when the locomotive is running? Transformations and territorial conflicts caused by coal mining in César

Abstract

The article presents an investigation about territorial conflicts in the center of Cesar, originated by the coal mining increment occurred during the past years. Based on the political ecology theories and territorial rights, the author explains the territorial transformations in the center of Cesar, proceeding from mining activities. He describes and studies the strong impact that this industry has had in the population lifestyle, and the territory. There is a special attention to the territorial conflicts, forced displacement conflict, environmental hazard from opencast mining, the violation of civil rights on communities, especially labor rights, and the social mobilization dynamics. The author concludes, communities putting up with the transformation and territorial conflict proceeding from mining, are not taking advantage nor of the mining resources extracted from their territories, neither from the profits proceeding from commerce.