A federal court in Minas Gerais has ordered the suspension of Samarco’s mining expansion works, citing environmental concerns linked to climate risk and waste management.
The ruling targets Samarco’s “Long-Term Project” at the Germano mining complex, located between Mariana and Ouro Preto. The case was brought by residents of Bento Rodrigues, the community destroyed by the Fundão dam collapse in 2015.
The court argued that the project’s environmental license failed to adequately account for increased rainfall risks linked to climate change and did not sufficiently prioritize dry tailings treatment or disposal in depleted mining areas.
In response, Samarco stated that it has not yet been formally notified of the decision and maintains that the licensing process was conducted lawfully. The company added that current operations remain unaffected. Samarco is jointly owned by Vale and BHP, each holding a 50% stake.
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