History of Parauapebas

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Parauapebas is inextricably linked to the massive development of the Amazon's natural resources in the second half of the 20th century. The actual beginning of the settlement's existence can be considered 1967, when geologists discovered colossal reserves of iron ore in the Serra dos Carajás mountains. The city emerged as a residential and logistical centre to support the operations of the mining complex. Parauapebas received the official status of an independent municipality on May 10, 1988, separating from the city of Marabá.

Key Development Factors

The rapid development of the city from a small workers' settlement into an important economic centre is driven by several factors:

• Geographical Location: The city is situated at the foot of the Carajás mountain range, surrounded by the tropical rainforests of the State of Pará, making it a strategic point for mineral extraction.
• Industrial Potential: The implementation of the government's "Grande Carajás" project and the activities of the mining company (now Vale) became the main engine of urbanisation.
• Logistics: The construction of the Carajás Railway, connecting the mines to the port, turned Parauapebas into a key transport hub for the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades of its existence, Parauapebas resembled a classic "gold rush" town, only instead of gold, iron, manganese, and gold were mined here. The economy was (and remains) monocentric, completely dependent on the mining industry.

The cultural identity of the city was formed under the influence of a powerful wave of internal migration. Workers and engineers from all over Brazil flocked here, creating a unique "melting pot" where traditions from the north, south, and northeast of the country mixed, forming the special, dynamic rhythm of life of the new city.

Major Milestones in the History of Parauapebas

• 1967 — Geologists discover huge deposits of iron ore in the Serra dos Carajás mountains, becoming the starting point for the development of the region.
• 1981 — Construction begins on the planned urban core (now the Cidade Nova district) to house employees of the mining company.
• 1985 — The Carajás Railway is put into operation, ensuring transport links between the mines and the ocean coast.
• May 10, 1988 — Parauapebas officially receives the status of an independent municipality, separating from the city of Marabá.
• January 1, 1989 — The inauguration of the first democratically elected mayor and city council takes place, completing the administrative formation of the city.
• 1998 — The Carajás National Forest is established, designed to protect the unique biodiversity of the region amidst active industrial activity.
• 2005 — The city's population surpasses the 100,000 mark, confirming its status as one of the fastest-growing centres in Brazil.
• 2016 — The official launch of the S11D complex takes place, the largest and most modern iron ore mining project in the history of the region.
• Present Time — The city continues to develop as a key economic hub of the State of Pará, investing in infrastructure and the development of eco-tourism.

Key Stages of Development and Their Significance

The history of Parauapebas is an example of the rapid transformation of an industrial settlement into a modern regional centre. Each of these events played a decisive role in shaping the current appearance of the city, its economy, and atmosphere.

• Discovery of the Riches of Carajás. The discovery of one of the world's largest iron ore provinces became the foundation of the city's existence. This event turned a patch of rainforest into a magnet for global investment and advanced technology, defining the industrial character of the region.
• Launch of the Carajás Railway. The construction of the main line connecting the mines to the port broke geographical isolation. For residents and tourists, this became a "window to the world": the railway ensures not only the export of raw materials but also affordable passenger transport to the Atlantic coast.
• Administrative Emancipation (1988). Obtaining independent status gave the city the right to directly receive and distribute taxes and royalties from mineral extraction (CFEM). This provided a powerful budget for the development of urban infrastructure, parks, and social facilities, distinguishing Parauapebas favourably from its neighbours.
• The Great Migration and Cultural Synthesis. The massive influx of specialists from all over Brazil created a unique demographic portrait. The city became a "melting pot" where gastronomy, music, and traditions from all regions of the country mixed, forming an open and hospitable society.
• Implementation of Project S11D (2016). The commissioning of this complex marked an era of high-tech and eco-friendly mining (without traditional dams). For the city, this became a guarantee of economic stability and job preservation for decades to come.
• Diversification and the Service Sector. In recent years, Parauapebas has outgrown the status of a simple "mining town". The active construction of shopping centres, hotels, and the development of commerce have turned it into the main shopping and entertainment hub of southeastern Pará.

Urban Structure and Stages of Development

The architectural appearance of Parauapebas is unique in that historical styles like Baroque or Classicism are absent here. It is a young city that emerged in the late 20th century, the development of which was defined by industrialisation. Its urban fabric is clearly divided into two contrasting parts, reflecting the history of its settlement.

The Planning Era: Late Modernism and Functionalism (1980s)

The first stage of development is associated with the activities of the mining company (now Vale), which needed infrastructure for its employees. This period is characterised by strict zoning and utilitarianism.

• Style: Functionalism, industrial modernism.
• Characteristic Features: A clear rectangular grid of streets, standardised residential buildings, an abundance of greenery, and a separation into residential and administrative zones.
• Iconic District: Cidade Nova. This is the "planned core" of the city, built according to the design of urban planners. Single-storey and two-storey houses with concise facades, wide avenues, and organised public spaces prevail here.

The Era of Spontaneous Urbanisation: Vernacular Architecture (1980s — 1990s)

Parallel to the planned construction, settlements of migrants who arrived in search of work sprang up spontaneously around the city core. This period formed the "lively" and chaotic appearance of trading and residential districts.

• Style: Vernacular (folk) architecture, self-built housing.
• Characteristic Features: High building density, narrow streets, a mix of residential and commercial functions in one building, and the absence of a unified design code.
• Iconic District: Rio Verde. This district became the commercial heart of the city, contrasting with the orderliness of Cidade Nova through its dynamics and colourful facades.

The Modern Stage: Postmodernism and Monumentalism (2000s — Present)

With the growth of income from mineral extraction, the city began to invest in large-scale public buildings and infrastructure, striving to give Parauapebas a metropolitan polish.

• Style: Modern commercial architecture, elements of postmodernism.
• Characteristic Features: The use of glass and concrete, monumental entrance groups, large shopping centres (malls), and landscaped parks.
• Iconic Object: Pórtico de Parauapebas at the entrance to the city on highway PA-275. This monumental structure, stylised as a Brazil nut tree trunk and leaf, has become the main architectural symbol of the city, reflecting the connection between urbanism and the nature of the Amazon.

Notable Figures of Parauapebas

Since Parauapebas is a young city, its historical figures are primarily pioneers, founders, and leaders who made an invaluable contribution to its rapid transformation from a workers' settlement into one of Brazil's key economic centres.

• Breno Augusto dos Santos — Geologist and Discoverer.
  The man with whom the history of the region began. It was he who, as a geologist in 1967, discovered one of the world's largest iron ore deposits in the Carajás mountains. This fateful discovery became the main reason for the founding of the city and the construction of all associated infrastructure.
• Faisal Salmen — Doctor and Political Leader.
  A key figure in the political history of the municipality. He led the movement for the emancipation (separation) of Parauapebas from the city of Marabá. In 1989, Faisal Salmen became the first democratically elected mayor of the city, laying the foundations for its modern administrative management.
• Eliezer Batista — Engineer and Statesman.
  As president of the Vale company (at that time CVRD), he played a decisive role in the development and implementation of the "Grande Carajás" project. His strategic vision ensured not only industrial success but also the planning of the urban environment for workers, which formed the structure of modern Parauapebas.
• Isabel "Bel" Mesquita — Educator and Politician.
  One of the most influential women in the city's history. She held the posts of Mayor of Parauapebas and Federal Deputy. She is known for her significant contribution to the development of the social sector, education, and infrastructure projects that helped the city adapt to explosive population growth.