Minas Gerais city halts Vale mining permits after water overflows

Vale said on Monday evening (26) that it had halted operations at both sites and would “respond promptly to the actions required, fully cooperating with the relevant authorities and providing all necessary clarifications.”

After the two incidents, Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira pressed for an effective resolution, warning that the government could shut down the operations if needed to ensure the safety of local communities and the environment.

In a statement, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) said it had ordered federal, state, and municipal authorities to inspect the facilities, consider possible penalties, and take appropriate steps to repair any material, environmental, or personal damages.

The ministry also called for a formal investigation to determine responsibility “with rigor and urgency” and requested ongoing updates from the National Mining Agency (ANM) on its oversight and related actions.

The MME had already sent a letter to the regulatory agency on Sunday (25), after a rainwater overflow carrying sediments was reported at Vale’s Fábrica mine in Ouro Preto.

Heavy rainfall in Minas Gerais caused overflows at both the Fábrica and Viga mines. The incident at the Viga site in Congonhas flooded areas belonging to neighboring CSN Mineração.

Sources told Valor that rainwater at the mines is typically drained from the pits into special drainage systems. However, the recent volume of rain was so intense that it overwhelmed the system, leading to the overflow.

Vale said on Monday afternoon that the overflows were contained without injuries or impact on nearby communities. The company emphasized that neither incident involved any of its tailings dams in the region, all of which remain stable and safe.

“Vale regularly carries out preventive inspection and maintenance of its structures, which are safe. These procedures are reinforced during the rainy season. The causes of the two overflows are being investigated, and the lessons learned will be immediately incorporated into the company’s rain response plans,” it said.

Also on Monday, ANM said its technical teams are monitoring the condition of the sites and the company’s response. The agency noted that responsibility investigations are part of its regulatory process, which may include sanctions if violations are found.

The regulator added that there was no rupture, collapse, or structural damage to dams or waste piles in either incident. “Both situations are being monitored by technical teams, with inspections of the functioning conditions of the involved structures and the measures adopted by the company. The investigation of responsibilities is part of the regulatory process, which includes sanctions where appropriate, under current legislation,” it said.