Mining companies fined for pollution in Urussanga community

Two mining companies have been ordered to pay a total of R$ 250,000 in collective moral damages due to air pollution in the Rio Carvão community, located in Urussanga, Santa Catarina. Each company is responsible for R$ 125,000.

The ruling by the 2nd Court of the Urussanga district follows complaints regarding the emission of gases and particulate matter from coke ovens used in coal processing. These activities, which have been ongoing since 2004, were found to have compromised the region's environmental quality and impacted local residents.

Although the companies had previously signed conduct adjustment terms and implemented some environmental controls, the court determined that these measures did not erase responsibility for the documented collective damages. Of the total indemnity, R$ 220,000 is designated to fund environmental and health projects within the Rio Carvão community.