Vale faces MPF legal action over Viga mine overflow

The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) has filed a civil public action against Vale, the National Mining Agency (ANM), and the government of Minas Gerais to address environmental damages caused by the overflow of water and sediment at the Viga mine in Congonhas in January 2026.

Prosecutor Eduardo Henrique de Almeida Aguiar is requesting the hiring of an independent technical audit, funded by Vale, to monitor environmental impacts and operational safety. The MPF seeks to ensure that facilities are properly adapted to intense rainfall and to evaluate the security of current measures. Following the incident, the ANM ordered a total shutdown of the mine due to compromised infrastructure. The MPF has also requested the freezing of R$ 200 million from Vale to guarantee reparations and the suspension of mining rights transfers. Vale stated it is unaware of the specific legal action but remains engaged in extrajudicial negotiations.