Dead River

Mar 24 2024 153

Dead River Podcast artwork

Dead River is the story of Brazil's worst environmental disaster — the Mariana dam collapse — that claimed the lives of 19 people. This isn't just a tale about the tragedy itself; it's a narrative that resonates with the pursuit of happiness, the impact of greed, and the overnight disappearance of centuries-old traditions. Hosted by biologist and wildlife broadcaster Liz Bonnin, this six-part series explores the profound connection people share with the land along the River Doce — a connection shattered by the tragic events of the Mariana dam collapse. As we hear about the aftermath, we encounter heroes and villains, witnessing the resilience of communities torn apart. Liz Bonnin uncovers the intricate threads of belonging, the devastating consequences of deception, and the ongoing pursuit of justice eight years after the catastrophe.

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6. A Silent War

Mar 24 2024 51 mins

In the powerful conclusion of Dead River, the echoes of centuries past reverberate in the struggle of indigenous people against government and multinational giants. In Episode 6 Liz Bonnin delves into the history of mining's arrival in Brazil and the enduring fight for land rights, autonomy, and sovereignty. Can mining coexist harmoniously with indigenous communities? Ar

5. Dead River

Mar 17 2024 46 mins

In 2015, after the Mariana dam collapse, biologist Luciano Magalhães declared that the River Doce was dead. In episode 5, Liz Bonnin explores the effect that high levels of toxic metals, thousands of pounds of species die off, and millions of tons of toxic waste have on the River Doce and the residents that rely on it. We hear from people who were forced to leave their homes becau

4. The Case of 700,000

Mar 10 2024 45 mins

Some might say that for the mining giants involved in the Mariana dam collapse, this isn’t just a story about human lives, it’s also a story about the bottom line. BHP and Vale are two of the biggest mining companies in the world, with net worths rivalling nations, and for years, setbacks in the Brazilian justice system have created a struggle to hold these large companies acco

3. Patterns of Abuse

Mar 03 2024 55 mins

Who is responsible for the collapse of the Mariana dam that killed 19 people, left hundreds of people homeless and hundreds of thousands of people without access to drinking water? In episode 3, a first hand account from a resident of Papua New Guinea reminds us that this is not the first time the mining company has been involved in a riverine mining disaster that affected th

Pamela's Story

Feb 27 2024 17 mins

This is an extended cut of the powerful interview Brazilian journalist Cristina Serra recorded with Pamela Isabel. Pamela is Emanuelle’s mother, the 5 year old girl who was torn from her fathers arms and killed by the toxic mud when the Fundao dam collapsed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2. The Silence of Sirens

Feb 25 2024 54 mins

This is the story of the Mariana dam disaster and how the 5th of November 2015 went from a calm and ordinary day, to a day marked by incredible catastrophe. In episode 2, we follow the toxic mud on its path of destruction and hear harrowing first hand accounts from victims spanning the length of the Doce River, including the heroic story of one woman who was the human siren in the

1. "Low Risk"

Feb 25 2024 43 mins

For hundreds of years, humans lived in harmony with the beautiful landscape alongside the River Doce in Brazil. It was a paradise, a place where plants grew in abundance and animals of vibrant colours lived happily. But once explorers arrived a new chapter began. In this episode, Liz Bonnin recounts the history of mining in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, introducing to

Dead River is coming soon

Feb 19 2024 3 mins

Dead River is the story of Brazil's worst environmental disaster — the Mariana dam collapse — that claimed 19 lives. Hosted by biologist and wildlife broadcaster, Liz Bonnin, this six-part series explores the profound connection people share with the land along the River Doce, and how it was shattered by tragedy. In this series we encounter heroes and villains, and witness the