The Minas Gerais government raised the fine on miner Vale from R$ 1.7 million to R$ 3.3 million due to drainage system failures in two mines that experienced leaks on January 25, 2026. The decision accounts for the company's history of recidivism and contrasts with Vale's claim that no tailings were transported. Measures include suspending operations at one mine to prevent environmental risks.
On January 25, 2026, coinciding with the seventh anniversary of the Brumadinho tragedy, two Vale mines experienced leaks: the Fábrica mine in Ouro Preto and the Viga mine in Congonhas, in central Minas Gerais. The state government identified drainage system failures, worsened by heavy rains, leading to overflows of water with sediments.
At the Fábrica mine, an estimated 262,000 cubic meters of water with sediments leaked, affecting internal areas of Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN) and causing silting in the Ponciana and Água Santa streams, as well as the Maranhão River. At the Viga mine, a natural talus slip occurred, releasing sediments into the Maria José stream and the Maranhão River. The State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable Development states that at least one incident in Congonhas carried mining tailings to watercourses, contradicting Vale.
The miner, however, maintains that no tailings were transported, only water with sediments, and that the leaks were contained without injuries or direct impact on the population. Vale emphasizes that the incidents do not involve dams, which remain stable and monitored, and that it conducts periodic inspections, especially during the rainy season. The causes are being investigated by the company.
The fine increase, announced after a meeting on January 30, is based on recidivism: on August 3, 2023, Vale was fined R$ 211,549.80 for environmental damage in Brumadinho, including unauthorized native vegetation suppression in a permanent preservation area. Under state decree 47.383/2018, repeated infractions within three years justify harsher penalties.
In addition to the fine, the government ordered a full suspension of activities at the Viga mine and partial suspension at pit 18 of the Fábrica mine, until risks are eliminated and effective controls are implemented. In a January 31 statement, Vale said it would respond opportunely to the authorities. Total impacts are still being assessed by the secretariat.
