The Justice of Minas Gerais has enforced a halt on operations at Vale's Fábrica Mining Complex in Ouro Preto, Brazil, due to a substantial leak that occurred approximately 15 days ago. An estimated 262,000 cubic meters of water and sediment overflowed from one of the mine's pits, specifically pit 18, impacting areas within the Paraopeba River basin. Responding to this environmental incident, Vale stated that operations at the site have been suspended since January 26 of this year.

The court's decision, made last Friday (6), was in response to a request from the state Public Ministry and will remain in effect until the technical stability and security of all structures in the area are confirmed. The Public Prosecutor's action indicates that the overflow has affected operational areas, private properties, and watercourses including the Maranhão River and the Água Santa Stream within the Paraopeba basin. The implications of this leak are significant, particularly as organizations like the Movement of those Affected by Dams (MAB) note that the situation has disrupted local water supplies as well as operations in the impacted region.

Moreover, the state government has also announced that the leak has caused waste to spread into nearby environments, raising further concerns about the potential environmental impact. With the ongoing uncertainty regarding the structural integrity of the mining site, local communities are now facing water shortages and potential ecological damage, prompting calls for greater accountability and oversight in mining operations within the region.