Vale has confirmed that it suspended waste and tailings pile operations at its Esperança mine in Brazil not long after taking control of Ferrous Resources.
Esperança has plant that produces 1.2mn t (1.1mn mt) of iron ore per annum. The company suspended operations to undertake a technical assessment, however, it also noted in statement that it is working to improve pile safety.
Vale completed the purchase for Ferrous Resources during this past summer for $550mn.