The Brazilian Mining Authority has ordered Vale to cease operations at part of its Brucutu iron ore mine, the largest in Minas Gerais and the second largest in the country after Carajás.
The National Mining Agency (ANM) said its decision was based on the Rio de Janeiro-based iron ore producer exceeding the mineral reserve limit approved for the exploration area (mining front) in question.
According to Vale's information, all of the agency's requirements for the operation of the production front have been met and are reflected in the economic use plan submitted to the agency in 2017, so the company will take the necessary steps to clarify the situation, ”the statement said.
The company, one of the world's leading iron ore producers, said the suspension would not affect the total output of the mine, which is part of its Minas Centrais complex.
The miner also confirmed forecasted sales of iron ore and pellets in the range of 307-332 million tonnes for 2019.
The Brucutu mine, with an annual capacity of 30 million tons of mined iron ore, has been in operation for 13 years.
Vale was forced to cease operations at the mine in February following a court ruling barring the company from storing production waste at the Laranjeiras tailings pond in Brucutu.
The judgment came after the January tailings dump disaster in Brumadinho, which killed nearly 300 people.
