Vallourec is fined BRL 288.6 million by the government of Minas Gerais for environmental damage

The government of Minas Gerais notified R$ 288.6 million to Vallourec for environmental damage caused after a sediment containment dam at the Pau Branco mine, in Nova Lima (in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte), had overflowed.

The Minas Gerais government’s notification determines that activities related to the Cachoeirinha pile and the Lisa dam be immediately suspended, until the company proves the stability of the structures, affected by the heavy rains that hit the state.

The mining company has up to 20 days to present its defense to Organs environmental agencies or pay the fine.

The notice of infraction was received by Vallourec on Monday night (10) and indicates that the French mining company was assessed for “causing intervention of any kind that results in pollution, degradation or damage to water resources, plant and animal species, ecosystems or the natural or cultural heritage, or that harms the health, safety and well-being of the population”.

“The company was considered a repeat offender, as in 2020 it was fined for failing to comply with the deadlines for sending documentation related to water dams. This caused the fine to be doubled, under the terms of the legislation”, said the Superintendent of Inspection of Semad ( Secretary of State for Environment and Sustainable Development), Alexandre Leal.

Among the visible and immediate environmental impacts, according to Feam (State Environmental Foundation), are the degradation of the landscape, pollution of water bodies, with the increase of suspended solids, in addition to the potential death of fish and suppression and degradation of habitats. aquatics and riparians.

By means of a note, Vallourec confirmed the receipt of the notice of infraction and is analyzing the content of the document by the technical areas.

Part of the BR-040 had been closed at the weekend after the overflow of the water containment dike at the Pau Branco mine, which led the ANM (National Mining Agency) to interdict operations.

On Monday, Vallourec had informed that vehicle traffic had been allowed in both directions of the BR-040.

The French company also said that the ANM had authorized the reclassification of the dike’s emergency level from 3 to 2, a lower risk level. The company added that it continues to operate in accordance with current legislation and guided by inspection and regulatory bodies.