Mining company admits: two other dams are at risk
The collapse of a Samarco tailings dam created a sea of mud that destroyed a village
Samarco representatives, the mining company responsible for the collapsed dams in Minas Gerais last November 5th that has caused an environmental disaster, announced Thursday (Nov. 17) that there is a risk of collapse in two other dams—Santarém and Germano—which are near the one that had burst. "The risk exists, and to increase security we are taking the necessary urgent measures," said Samarco Structural Projects General-Manager Germano Lopes.
"These dams are being daily monitored online. Everyday safety factors are reported. And there is an action plan [in case of any accident]," explained Samarco Chief Operating Officer Kléber Terra.
According to experts, urgent works are being done in two dams, to add blocks of rock to reinforce the structure. This week, Minas Gerais Fire Department released images taken by the department’s drones showing a crack at Germano dam.
Samarco representatives explained that the only dam that burst was Fundão, in contrast to what Samarco itself had reported since the tragedy’s day, when it was released that, in addition to Fundão, Santarém dam had also collapsed.
Collapse of Samarco tailings dam, a subsidiary of Brazil's Vale and Australia's BHP Billiton, created a sea of mud that destroyed a village and caused damage in several municipalities of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo. The wave of toxic mud reached Rio Doce river, and killed livestock and cut off the water supply. So far seven bodies have been identified, four are awaiting identification, and twelve people are missing as a result of the accident. In addition, more than 600 people have been evicted from their houses.
Translated by Amarílis Anchieta
Fonte: Mining company admits: two other dams are at risk
