High winds blow mining operations off course in northern Brazil

Mining companies Vale and Ero Copper temporarily halted operations at two mines in Pará state after strong winds disrupted energy supplies, underlining the growing risks of extreme weather events. 

"Vale announces a temporary interruption of operations at the Onça Puma nickel plant in Ourilândia do Norte, Pará. The interruption occurred due to damage to the local electricity company's transmission network after strong winds on October 5," the company said in a statement. 

"The electricity transmission network is expected to be restored by October 15, according to information from the responsible operator," it added.

Vale initially estimates that the stoppage will result in lost nickel production of 1,500-2,000t in the fourth quarter, but has maintained its 2024 nickel production guidance at between 153,000t and 168,000t.

Meanwhile, Ero Copper, which owns the Tucumã copper operation in the same state, also reported that its mine had been affected.

"The power disruption at Tucumã has impacted the milling, flotation and filtration circuits within the processing plant. Mining and crushing operations remain unaffected, with ore continuing to be placed on the run-of-mine and crushed ore stockpiles," Ero said in a statement.

"The company expects the primary impact will be on the ramp-up schedule of the processing plant, and in turn, full-year production results at the Tucumã Operation. While the extent of the impact will depend on the timing of full power restoration, Ero Copper remains well-positioned to manage this temporary disruption and will provide further updates as the situation develops," it added.

Brazil's mining sector has been accustomed to climate-related risks during the southern hemisphere summer between December and March due to frequent heavy rains, but in recent years, extreme weather events have become more common throughout the year, with rainfall, high winds and prolonged periods of drought causing problems.