Judge Hikes Vale’s Fine as Residents Wait for Dam to Rupture in Brazil

By Lise Alves, Senior Contributing Reporter

SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL – A Brazilian judge announced on Friday that she is increasing the fine to be levied at Vale to R$300 million (approximately US$73 million) if the mining giant does not present, within 72 hours, a technical report of the impacts and risks of a rupture of a dam in the Gongo Soco Mine complex, located in Minas Gerais state.

Judge Fernanda Machado of Barão de Cocais (MG), where the Gongo Soco Mine complex is located, asked for a detailed report on what could represent the worst-case scenario, with an update of escape routes and meeting points, strategies for evacuation, and the rescue of the stranded population, as well as the rescue and care of animals and pets left behind.

“The noncompliance with the injunction and the calamitous scenario authorize the increase of the fine as a way to boost the initiative to protect the dignity of the people,” stated  Machado in her decision.

“The flood (due to the dam break) would destroy the communities near the dam in seconds and devastate all commerce in the center of Barão de Cocais in thirty minutes,” added Machado.

The mining company responded by stating that it was already taking the necessary measures. “Vale began the earthworks for the construction of a concrete containment structure located six kilometers downstream of the Sul Superior dam, in Barão de Cocais, Minas Gerais,” said the statement issued by Vale on Saturday.

“Once completed, this structure will retain most of the volume of tailings from the Sul Superior dam in case of a breach. Vale is also carrying out earthwork interventions, installing containment barriers with metal screens and positioning granite blocks to create a physical barrier to reduce the speed of flow of a potential flood, thus containing the displacement of material within a more restricted area,” explained the company.

A simulation exercise in case of a rupture was held on Saturday for residents of Barão de Cocais. According to officials 1,600 people, 26.75 percent of the more than six thousand people who live in the city, attended the simulation exercise. They were instructed where to go in case of a dam break.

According to information by Vale, the dam break could occur between Sunday, May 19, and Saturday, May 25.