Brazilian Mining Giant Vale – who are probably the worlds largest producer of Iron Ore & Nickel is in trouble again – only Three years after the Mariana dam burst then the worst industrial disaster in Brazils history. This time it relates to the failed Brumadinho dam which collapsed in January killing at least 248 people. It has caused mass pollution in the Paraopeba River as well as those confirmed killed at least another twenty-two people are still missing.
Paraopeba River polluted by effluent following the disaster.
Editorial Credit By Christyam de Lima/Shutterstock
A leading Judge, Elton Pupo Nogueira has ordered that an as-yet-unspecified figure for compensation should be set aside stating the company was responsible for fixing all the damages including the economic effects. $2.9bn (£2.3bn) of Vale’s assets which are currently frozen by courts in relation to the Mariana disaster should also remain blocked.
It is of note here that Vale’s defence team did not deny responsibility for the damage caused by the collapse of the dam and concerns remain that there may yet be more dams which are unsafe.
The Brazilian Senate is currently urging prosecutors to bring charges ranging from environmental damage to involuntary manslaughter against the top managers at Vale at the time of the dam collapse. Given the pattern of events here it is maybe the only way to ensure the company takes its environmental and humanitarian responsibilities seriously.
