On Feb. 8, a dam overflowed. The structure did not break down, nor were there any fatalities, but a highway was affected by the mud and was blocked for almost two days.
In the case of dams that are at a critical level, there is an additional challenge: working with unmanned equipment, in order to remove workers from the risk area.
Heavy rains in the first weeks of 2022 in the state of Minas Gerais have put the mining sector on alert. In some places, more than 200 millimeters were recorded in just two days.
A report released today by Brazil’s National Water Foundation (ANA) shows that 45 dams were facing collapse risk in 2017. Most are located in the North and Northeast.
Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira urged a revision of Brazilian laws on environmental permits and dam safety to prevent further disasters like the recent collapse of a tailings dam owned by Samarco mining company in Minas Gerais.
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