Gov’t shuts 47 tailings dams over instability

Brazil’s National Mining Agency (ANM) announced it has shut down 47 tailings dams due to the lack of an official stability certificate (DCE). The deadline for submitting the required documentation on the stability of the structures was March 31.

Most of the dams closed are in Minas Gerais state, where two major dams collapsed, killing hundreds of people and causing significant damage to the environment.

The agency explained that, of the 432 mining dams currently under the National Dam Security Policy, 384 have sent documents attesting stability. Of the remaining dams, 31 have submitted a statement not attesting structural stability, and 16 did not turn in the certificate.

The dams that failed to attest stability or to submit the required documentation are banned from receiving new investment on waste and sediment as of April, and will be fined, the agency declared.

The body also reported it decided to keep the deadline for submission even with the current COVID-19 crisis, as it was found to be “an essential activity,” and the certificate “crucial to keeping everyone safe and at peace.”