In today’s issue: Vale knew about dam safety issues before collapse
Vale knew about dam safety issues before collapse
Mining giant Vale knew there were problems with safety equipment in the Brumadinho dam two days before its collapse —which killed 150 people, left 182 missing, and caused an immense environmental disaster. Email exchanges between Vale employees and security auditors show that five sensors to measure liquid pressure weren’t working.
Last week, three Vale employees and two security auditors from German firm Tüv Süd, who attested to the dam’s safety, were arrested—but later released. One of the auditors says he informed Vale of the growing risks of collapse but was pressured into signing a stability report for the Brumadinho dam. Vale has refused to comment on the case.
Vale’s board reportedly fear a new wave of arrests within the next few days following new evidence. Yesterday, the company refused to sign a deal with prosecutors to carry out 40 emergency actions in the region of the incident—including compensation for the next three years to the town of Brumadinho and the state of Minas Gerais. Vale said it must first analyze the deal in more detail.
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