Brazilian mining giant Vale is set to resume operations at two of its mining projects in to country after the ban introduced a week earlier was lifted.
"Following the disclosures of February 21 and 22, 2024, preliminary injunctions were issued…reinstating the operating licenses of the Sossego and Onça Puma mines. Notwithstanding, the company reiterates its commitment to maintain dialogue with the competent authorities," Vale said in a statement as cited by BNamericas.
The environmental secretary of the Brazilian state of Para suspended environmental licenses for Vale's Onca Puma nickel mine and Sossego copper mine last week, citing irregularities with an annual environment report and non-compliance on mining mitigation efforts that it said resulted in conflicts with local communities.
The company did not see signs of environmental or social breach at the affected mines, said Vale Base Metals chair Mark Cutifani. He added that administrative issue could have led to the suspensions at the mines and that Vale would work with authorities to resolve the matter.
An industry executive consulted by BNamericas, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the measure was related to Vale's CEO selection process. The authorities have been pressuring the company's board of directors to appoint a CEO that is more open to dialogue with the public sector.
Theodor Lisovoy, Editor in Chief of the European bureau, Rough&Polished
