GEOMECHANICS / GROUND CONTROL

Vale suspends operations at Fábrica and Vargem Grande

Brazil's National Mining Agency has ordered the immediate suspension of activities at the complexes

This article is 6 years old. Images might not display.

Vale stated that is complying with Resolution 70.389/2017 for the immediate suspension of activities at the Fábrica and Vargem Grande complexes. This measure is in order to avoid potential problems triggering failures by liquefaction in the Forquilha I, Forquilha II, Forquilha III, Grupo and Vargem Grande dams.

It is four weeks since the breach at a tailings dam near the company's Corrego do Feijão iron ore mine in the town of Brumadinho in Minas Gerais. More than 300 people are either dead or missing.

However, Vale will appeal to the ANM collegiate to allow for mechanical dismantling by tractor and for the company to resume its concentration and pelletising plants operations, which will lead to limited impact on estimated production volumes.

Vale also noted that the interruption of blasting operations and the introduction of mechanical dismantling by tractor in the nearby mines were already part of its decommissioning plans of the upstream dams.

Expert-led Insights reports built on robust data, rigorous analysis and expert commentary covering mining Exploration, Future Fleets, Automation and Digitalisation, and ESG.

Expert-led Insights reports built on robust data, rigorous analysis and expert commentary covering mining Exploration, Future Fleets, Automation and Digitalisation, and ESG.

editions

Automation and Digitalisation Insights 2025

Discover how mining companies and investors are adopting, deploying and evaluating new technologies.

editions

Mining IQ Exploration Insights 2025

Gain exclusive insights into the world of exploration in a comprehensive review of the top trending technologies, intercepts, discoveries and more.

editions

Future Fleets Insights 2025

Mining IQ Future Fleets Insights 2025 looks at how companies are using alternative energy sources to cut greenhouse gas emmissions

editions

Automation and Digitalisation Insights 2024

Exclusive research for Mining IQ Automation and Digitalisation Insights 2024 shows mining companies are embracing cutting-edge tech