Vale regains permit in Minas Gerais while facing lawsuit over railway in Pará

Vale has successfully restored its operating license for iron ore activities in Congonhas, Minas Gerais, following a temporary suspension in January due to water overflows from its Fábrica and Viga mines during heavy rains. The Congonhas city hall confirmed Vale met requirements, including containment and cleanup actions, updated emergency plans, and payment of a 13.7 million reais (US$2.6 million) fine. This reinstatement is particularly significant given the sensitivity surrounding Vale’s dam safety in Brazil, following the tragic collapses in 2015 and 2019.

Separately, Vale is facing legal action from the federal prosecutors' office (MPF) concerning the operation of a duplicated track along the Carajás Railroad (EFC) in Pará. The MPF alleges that Vale is operating the 16km stretch through the Mãe Maria Indigenous Land without the necessary Operating License (LO) from Ibama and without conducting the required Free, Prior and Informed Consultation (CPLI) with the affected Indigenous peoples. The MPF is seeking an immediate halt to the operation and compensation for collective moral damages.

Vale has submitted its defense, stating that the lawsuit “for now, does not represent a relevant operational impact.” The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of Vale’s environmental and social responsibilities in Brazil.

(Source：Bnamericas.com)