Worker dies at Vale iron ore mine

A subcontracted worker at Brazilian mining giant Vale’s Córrego do Feijão iron ore mine in Minas Gerais state died on Friday in a landslide.

The incident happened very close to the site of the January 2019 tailings dam disaster, Brazil’s worst ever mining tragedy that killed at least 259 people and caused severe environmental damage. 

"The worker was on an excavator, carrying out maintenance activities, when he was hit by a landslide from the paralyzed pit embankment. Vale, together with the contracted company, will provide support to the employee's family members. The companies are supporting the authorities in assessing the case and investigating the causes of the accident," Vale said in a statement. 

"On-site maintenance activities will be suspended for further studies and assessments of safety conditions. The company reiterates its commitment to the safety of all its employees and the communities."

Vale, however, did not say whether the mine concerned was in production. Brumadinho town council said via social media that it suspended the operating license of Vale and all contracted companies until the causes of the incident are clarified.

The company is in negotiations with Minas Gerais about compensation for the Brumadinho tailings dam collapse.

The state demanding 54bn reais (US$10.6bn), while the company is offering 21bn reais.