A Vale manager told authorities the company’s executive board knew the safety issues the failing Feijão dam had in Brumadinho, which collapsed on January 25. Media reports said the manager, whose identity was not disclosed, discussed the matter with higher level executives. The company’s board was reportedly aware of a weakening in the dam’s safety.
Police investigators have already indicated Vale workers and workers for TUV SUD, the company responsible for attesting the dam’s safety, exchanged emails saying Vale knew of issues at the dam.
Earlier in February, a Reuters media report said Vale’s internal documents indicated the dam had “an elevated risk of rupture.” Additionally, federal prosecutors requested the court arrest Vale’s ferrous and coal director, Peter Poppinga. The request was denied.
Also this week, a Brazilian court gave Vale five days to prove the company is adopting a series of preventive measures prosecutors and Minas Gerais state proposed in a public lawsuit. If Vale fails to put such measures in place, it may be fined at BRL 1 million ($268,129) a day.
USD = BRL 3.73 (February 27)