Antônio Pereira residents report tremors near Vale mining structures

Residents of Antônio Pereira, a district in Ouro Preto, Brazil, report frequent tremors in their homes, raising fears regarding the stability of nearby mining structures. Local inhabitants describe windows shaking and walls cracking, noting that these vibrations have been a recurring issue since at least 2019.

The community suspects that activities from the surrounding mining operations, specifically the Vale-owned Barragem Doutor (which is undergoing decommissioning) and the Timbopeba Mine, are responsible for the seismic activity. While Vale has denied any connection between its operations and the reported tremors, technical documents suggest otherwise.

Reports indicate that SLR Consulting, the independent auditor monitoring the Barragem Doutor, has documented geological uncertainties, monitoring gaps, and frequent seismograph activations in the area. The audit has called for further investigations by Vale into unresolved geological issues.