São Tomé das Letras and Lagoa Santa: mining, tourism, and threats to the historical and natural heritage.

Abstract

São Tomé das Letras thrives on
mining, agriculture and tourism. Lagoa Santa
thrives on mining, cement factories and agricul-
ture. Mining is a threat to natural resources in
both locations. these locations have distinct heri-
tage landmarks. these heritage landmarks impose
restrictions, crated to guarantee their preservation.
Different local groups are in search for sustainable
alternatives for the conservation of this heritage.
the article makes a comparison of these two reali-
ties, trying to understand the sustainability of each
mining town through the analysis of specific ac-
tivities such as tourism, mining and the initiatives
of preservation of cultural heritage. Tjis article is
based on ethnographic data focused on the social
conflicts present in the two scenarios and the local
public policies guided towards the development of
sustainable economic activities for the environment
and local heritage.