Geologic risk resulting from the land use of old mining sites in the Piedade Neighborhood, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Old mining activities during colonial times have led to the development of instability processes in several areas of the Serra de Ouro Preto, northern boundary of the urban zone of the city of Ouro Preto. During the last twenty years, many landslide and rock fall prone areas have been populated as a consequence of the unbridled development of the city. Piedade neighborhood borough is a typical example of such a situation. The use of old mining areas has caused high hazard situations for the population. Geologic studies have been done to identify current processes, analyze major events and their consequences, and assess the geologic hazard due to mass movements. A hazard map of the study area has been produced and it is shown in this work.