A local court has once again suspended the operating license for Brazilian miner Vale’s Sossego copper mine, overturning a previous court ruling that had reinstated the mine’s operating license, as confirmed by Vale in a filing on Monday. The decision follows an appeal by Brazil’s Para state, prompting Vale to indicate its awareness of the latest ruling while noting the absence of formal notification from the court. Vale intends to pursue appropriate legal measures to reverse the decision.
The license for the Sossego mine was initially suspended by Para’s environment department in February due to irregularities in an annual environmental report and “non-compliance” with mining mitigation efforts, resulting in conflicts with local communities. Although Vale obtained a temporary injunction allowing it to resume operations, the recent court decision has once again halted the mine’s activities.
This development comes amid a court dispute between Vale and Para state regarding the Onca Puma nickel mine, which also had its operating license suspended earlier this month. The actions reflect the ongoing regulatory and legal challenges faced by Vale in its mining operations in Brazil, underscoring the complex and evolving landscape of environmental and community relations in the mining industry.