Vale- world’s largest iron ore miner yesterday announced that it has received Court’s order in favor of resumption at Laranjeiras tailings dam and the Brucutu mine in Vale’s Southeastern System, Minas Gerais of Southeast Brazil. However, the final decision still remains pending with the Environment and Sustainable Development (SEMAD). The Lower Public Treasury Court of Belo Horizonte shared that it requires the approval by SEMAD to comply decision of resumption at the mines.
Towards early Feb’19, Vale had shut operation at its Brucutu mines, causing a production loss of about 30 MnT pa. The move was a step ahead towards safety after iron ore producer underwent collapse at its dam at Corrego do Feijao mine in Minas Gerais in Brumadinho, Brazil on 25th Jan’19. Vale said it was appealing the court order on Brucutu as one of the mining dams mentioned in the decision is a different type than the one that ruptured before.
This week, Vale has lifted the temporary suspension of operations at its Guaiba Island Terminal (TIG) and is being authorized by the Government to reestablish the activities at the terminal. Following the court decision, Mangaratiba City Hall authorities lifted the interdiction on 18th Mar’19. The miner also reaffirms availability of all the necessary required licenses to resume normal operations at the terminal.
Earlier on 11th March, the miner was ordered to shut operations at Guiaba Island Terminal (TIG), on receiving notice from the Mangaratiba city government in Rio de Janeiro.
Last week, the miner was ordered by Brazilian government to suspend operation at Timbopeba mine in Minas Gerais state. The court also ordered to suspend operations at Doutor dam, which receives tailing from Timbopeba mines. However, the dam was inspected on 14th Mar’19 by the technicians of National Mining Agency, who verified the structure as risk free. The mine produces around 12.8 MnT of iron ore per year.
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