Brazilian prosecutors are investigating security conditions at 396 mining dams across 16 Brazilian states, as a way to prevent disasters like Samarco’s last year, which killed 19 people and forced the pellet producer to halt operations.
According to prosecutors, the initiative is led by the Coordinated Action for Dam’s Security, which is sponsored by the Environment Chamber and Cultural Patrimony of the Public Ministry, a body of public prosecutors.
The results of the probe are expected to be released in November this year.
The dams which are being investigated are listed in the country’s National Register of Mining Dams (CNBM). Mining dams being probed include those of MMX, Anglo American, Companhia Siderurgica Nacional (CSN), Ferbasa, Vale, Gerdau, MRN, Samarco, Vallourec,
Anglogold, among others.
Anglogold, among others.
In the probe, prosecutors asked mining companies to provide details about security plans, emergency actions, inspections, as well as audits made by the country’s National Mineral Production Department (DNPM).