Vale reinforces preventive measures
(Posted on 30/05/19)
Vale has reaffirmed that all preventive measures have been taken for any possible scenario in Barão de Cocais. In addition, the company informs that the latest analysis on the movement of the North slope of the extraction site at Gongo Soco mine show a great probability of material slide into the extraction site. This probability reduces the possibility of impact on the Sul Superior dam. Marcelo Barros, Vale's COO, explains that "today, we have more elements to analyze the shell behavior; and it shows a slide into the extraction site. Thus, there is a great possibility that the slope remains inside the extraction site, without major consequences."
Even if there is no breach due to the slope slide, the Sul Superior dam remains classified at Level 3. Then, Vale and relevant authorities provided trainings to prepare the communities for all possible scenarios. Marcelo Barros also states that "all residents of the Self-Rescue Zones (ZAS, Zona de Autossalvamento), as well as more than three thousand animals and pieces of religious art, were transferred to areas outside the ZAS."
To ensure the safety of everyone, residents and workers, works in the extraction site are suspended, to avoid people working at the site. However, impoundment works are in progress. The major works is the construction of a basin to help impound part of the ore tailings, in the case of a dam breach. In addition, screens and granite blocks are being installed to slow the tailings flow.
Both the slope and dam are under 24-hour monitoring, and the forecasts are daily reviewed. "We are very sorry for the impact we are causing on the population and city of Barão de Cocais," concludes the COO. "But Vale spares no effort to ensure safety of the community."
Latest News
SSAB delivers decarbonised steel to Vattenfall’s solar park project in Germany
(Posted on 29/05/26)SSAB is supplying decarbonised steel to Vattenfall for the construction of the ground-mounted solar... Read more
NGFA statement on STB’s decision to conditionally accept rail merger application
(Posted on 29/05/26)In accordance with the Surface Transportation Board’s merger rules, the Board has conditionally... Read more
EU feed production market forecast highlights continued stability
(Posted on 25/05/26)FEFAC market experts are forecasting continued stability in the EU compound feed production market for... Read more
Fertilizer Action Plan: recognition must now translate into delivery
(Posted on 22/05/26)Fertilizers Europe has acknowledged the European Commission’s Fertilizer Action Plan, which recognises... Read more
Tripartite MOU to establish direct U.S.–DRC cobalt supply chain
(Posted on 14/05/26)Entreprise Générale du Cobalt, EVelution Energy LLC and Trafigura Pte Ltd. has announced... Read more
Commissioning of Oxelösund electric arc furnace delayed due to permitting
(Posted on 14/05/26)SSAB’s conversion of the mill in Oxelösund to fossil-free production is being delayed due... Read more
YEC agreement supports decarbonisation of Rio Tinto’s Pilbara iron ore operations
(Posted on 11/05/26)Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC), one of Australia’s largest Indigenous-led renewable energy... Read more
ASA Vice President urges caution in USTR Section 301 investigation
(Posted on 11/05/26)Soybean farmers are already facing significant economic headwinds and new trade actions could add further... Read more
ADM investment to upgrade Clinton, Iowa, corn processing facility
(Posted on 11/05/26)ADM, a global leader in innovative solutions from nature, has announced a multimillion-dollar investment... Read more
JV in Bayuquan, China to strengthen global raw material supply chains
(Posted on 04/05/26)CREMER ERZKONTOR GmbH has announced the official opening of its joint venture, CREMER (Yingkou) Supply... Read more
