Análise dos impactos ocasionados pela mineradora Braskem em Maceió-AL, sob a perspectiva financeiro-econômica dos comerciantes locais

Abstract

In the year 2018, residents of various neighborhoods in Maceió felt an earthquake that initiated a series of incidents in some neighborhoods. After studies by the Brazilian Geological Service (SGB) (2019) confirmed that the salt extraction mines operated by Braskem in Maceió caused soil destabilization, leading to subsidence in the neighborhoods of Pinheiro, Mutange, Bom Parto, Bebedouro, and part of Farol. The objective of this study is to analyze the financial and economic impacts of the disaster caused by Braskem in Maceió/AL from the perspective of businesses in the region. The methodology involves a quantitative approach with descriptive statistical analysis using measures of central tendency, proportion, and variability, in addition to econometrics with difference-in-differences methods. The sampling approach is non-probabilistic and based on accessibility due to the particularities of the research. For this, a semi-structured questionnaire was applied to three groups of entrepreneurs: those directly affected, indirectly affected, and not affected, during the months of July to November 2023. The results show that the disaster impacted the directly affected companies in terms of liquidity, profitability, and indebtedness indicators, while the indirectly affected companies were impacted in terms of liquidity indicators, and the unaffected companies showed relative stability in their indices. Additionally, multidimensional effects were observed that seem to also affect infrastructure, logistics, quality of products and services offered, satisfaction with compensation, and other aspects. In light of the results, the need for more effective support measures and policies capable of minimizing the impacts of the disaster and promoting the sustainable recovery of local businesses became evident.