Brazilian Mining Agency Downgrades Emergency Level of Brumadinho Tailings Dam

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On October 8, the Brazilian National Mining Agency (ANM) downgraded the emergency level of the B1A tailings dam in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, from Level 2 (NE2) to Level 1 (NE1). The facility is managed by mining company EMICON Mineração e Terraplenagem and had been under Level 2 emergency status since July 2025. The adjustment was based on newly completed geotechnical investigations and a dam stability study prepared by an independent consulting firm, but the dam remains under emergency management, and regulators have not yet allowed previously evacuated residents to return to the downstream area.

In July 2025, the B1A tailings dam was placed under Level 2 emergency management because different technical studies reached divergent conclusions regarding dam stability. At that time, some geotechnical investigation data were insufficient, stability analyses indicated potential critical conditions, and the early warning system for downstream residents was not yet fully developed. Taking into account the distribution of residents in the downstream Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS), regulators required local authorities to take preventive evacuation measures.

After the emergency level was raised, ANM required EMICON to carry out supplementary geotechnical investigations and commissioned an independent consulting firm to reassess dam stability using updated site data. During the subsequent technical review process, regulators held multiple technical meetings with the company and the consulting firm, requesting supplementary explanations and revisions to the stability calculation results. The latest investigation and analysis results constitute the technical basis for this emergency level adjustment, and the classification was carried out in accordance with Brazilian ANM Resolution No. 95/2022.

Regarding personnel warning facilities, the Brumadinho Civil Defense Department has evaluated the existing alarm measures and determined that they can temporarily meet requirements until the installation of fixed sirens is completed. ANM will continue to oversee dam safety management and other outstanding regulatory requirements. Whether previously evacuated residents can re-enter the Self-Rescue Zone will be further assessed and decided by the Brumadinho Civil Defense Department in accordance with local safety standards.