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Lawsuit filed in Brazil against mining company and the government over heavy metal contamination
An activist covered in mud poses with a sign that reads “Vale assassin” during a demonstration in Sao Paulo, Brazil, February 1, 2019
AUTHORITIES in Brazil are suing the giant mining company Vale, the Brazilian government and the Amazon state of Para over heavy metal contamination in the bodies of Xikrin indigenous people.
The civil lawsuit, filed by the Federal Prosecutor’s Office last Friday, but only disclosed on Tuesday, alleges contamination from Vale’s nickel mining at the Onca-Puma site, with the Catete River carrying mine pollution into indigenous territory.
In 2022, the company and the Xikrin reached an agreement for monthly compensation, but it did not cover health issues, according to the prosecution.
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