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MPF Mining Requests Billionaire Block of Vale Ouro Preto to Ensure Environmental Damage Repair at Fábrica Mine.
The Federal Justice has begun analyzing an urgent request from the Federal Public Ministry (MPF) demanding the billionaire blocking of Vale’s resources to ensure the repair of environmental damage in Ouro Preto.
The MPF filed the action after a large-scale overflow registered on January 25, which involved water and sediments at the Fábrica mine, located in the Central region of Minas Gerais.
According to the agency, the measure seeks to secure financial resources, prevent the transfer of the asset, and interrupt activities considered irregular.
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In the initial request, the MPF detailed that approximately 262 thousand cubic meters of water and sediments affected the environment after the collapse of an improvised structure inside the pit.
For the agency, the lack of immediate judicial guarantees creates a concrete risk of worsening environmental damage and jeopardizes full repair.
Overflow Exposes Structural Flaws at Fábrica Mine
Investigations by the MPF Mining indicated that the incident occurred in the Area 18 Pit, where Vale Ouro Preto began using an internal road as if it were a dam.
Although the environmental agency temporarily authorized the deposit of tailings, the license expressly prohibited any permanent containment structure within the pit.
Nevertheless, technical inspections identified that the access road began to retain large volumes of water and sediments.
With the increased rainfall, the structure could not withstand the pressure and collapsed.
As a result, a wave of mud advanced to external areas of the Fábrica mine and even affected the administrative facilities of a neighboring mining enterprise.
MPF Requests Block of Sale and Mining Rights
In addition to the billionaire block, the MPF requested the suspension of the right to sell or transfer the Fábrica mine.
The request includes the blocking of mining rights with the National Mining Agency, which prevents Vale Ouro Preto from negotiating the asset until the complete resolution of environmental liabilities.
In the MPF Mining’s assessment, the company cannot transfer the ownership of the mine without assuming the costs of repair.
The agency claims that the alienation of the asset would jeopardize the reimbursement of environmental and material damages caused by the overflow.
Emergency Works and Environmental Analyses Among the Requirements
The judicial action also mandates the immediate stabilization of the Area 18 Pit.
The MPF demands that Vale hire an independent technical advisor to indicate and carry out emergency works.
Until the licensing agency proves the total safety of the structure, the mining company must keep all operations at the Fábrica mine suspended.
In addition, the company will have to conduct a detailed chemical analysis of the spilled material.
The study should identify possible contaminations of water bodies and accurately measure the environmental and material impact caused by the incident.
72-Hour Deadline and Daily Fines Increase Judicial Pressure
MPF Mining also set a deadline of 72 hours for Vale to inform the Justice about the existence of other similar improvised structures in mines located in Minas Gerais.
If the company fails to comply with the determinations, the agency requested the imposition of a daily fine of R$ 500 thousand.
Vale States It Will Present a Defense
In an official statement, Vale declared that it became aware of the Preliminary Injunction presented by the MPF concerning the overflow that occurred at the Fábrica mine in Ouro Preto, involving the discharge of water and sediments downstream.
According to the company, the MPF requests preliminary measures, including a patrimonial block of R$ 1 billion, aiming to prevent the worsening of alleged environmental damages.
Thus, the mining company reported that it has already expressed itself in the records and will present its defense within the legal deadline.
Other Incidents Amplify Environmental and Institutional Impact
The overflow in Ouro Preto did not occur in isolation. Less than 24 hours later, another incident involving Vale affected the Viga mine in Congonhas, having a direct impact on the Maranhão River.
In light of the situation, the local government suspended municipal permits until the company demonstrates the adoption of control measures.
Last week, the government of Minas Gerais, through the State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable Development, imposed an initial fine on the mining company.
Subsequently, the amount increased to R$ 3.3 million, further tightening the institutional grip around Vale Ouro Preto.
See more at: Ouro Preto: MPF Requests R$ 1 Billion Block of Vale
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