Alarm sounds at another Vale-run dam

Approximately 500 residents of the city of Barão de Cocais, in Minas Gerais state, 100 km from state capital Belo Horizonte, were removed from their homes in the early hours today (Feb. 8) due to risks at the superior south dam at the Gongo Seco mine, controlled by mining giant Vale.

City authorities reported that risk two has been declared for this tailings dam. The decision was made after inspections and monitoring efforts made by the National Mining Agency, the state's and the city’s Civil Defense, as well as Vale.

The report describes the structure as “uneven.”

As a precaution, locals of the communities of Socorro and nearby areas were taken on Vale buses and support vehicles to a sports center nearby for shelter, in compliance with recommendations by the mining company and mining agencies.