Minas Gerais state prosecutors filed this week a lawsuit demanding local steelmaker Companhia Siderurgica Nacional (CSN) adopt preventive measures to protect a community near the company’s Casa de Pedra iron ore dam.
Prosecutors demand CSN to pay BRL 3,000 ($765) per family near the Cristo Rei and Residencial Gualter Monteiro neighborhoods, who wish to leave their homes due to the proximity to the dam. Prosecutors said local communities are living “under pressure” over the risk of a dam collapse, which CSN has denied thus far.
Prosecutors said a collapse of the Casa de Pedra dam would hit several communities in about 30 seconds, making it difficult for rescuers to save lives; the dam collapse in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais state, killed thus far 233 people.
USD = BRL 3.92 (April 30)