Brazilian iron ore producer Vale has responded to allegations of irregularities in in its environmental licenses and slave labor practices, according to a media report.
A non-profit organization affected by Vale issued a “non-sustainability” report on Thursday saying the company violates human rights and have committed a series of crimes, including “keeping workers in situations similar to slavery.” The organization, Afetados pela Vale (Affected by Vale), also accused Vale of spying on its employees and making surrounding neighborhoods sick as a result of the development of a number of projects.
The report numbers more than 30 conflicts involving Vale’s production chain in at least eight countries where the iron ore producer operates, media reports said.
In a statement, Vale said it “rejects all and any activity which involves inadequate work conditions and reiterates its commitment with the compliance of the norms and existing workers’ health and safety laws.”
The organization delivered a document containing the report to the company’s top executives during a protest near Vale’s headquarters in the city of Rio de Janeiro.