“The City Of Soot”. Industrial Development And Environmental Deterioration In The Coal Basin

Abstract

The intensive development of the extractive coal activity at the Lota and Coronel basin, beginning in the mid-19 th century, brought about a massive process of migration and population increase. Coal cities experienced a fast urban growth, marred with disorganization and poor health, hygiene and housing conditions. At the same time, many other industries associated to coal exploitation and the port contributed to the environmental degradation of the region, mainly of the air, soil, and marine environment. Even though the economic activity produced wealth and technological progress, it also had this somber dimension that is the object of our study.

Keywords: Lota, Coronel, industry, environmental degradation.