Brazil’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office is suing Vale over heavy metal pollution affecting the Xikrin Indigenous people. A study shows alarming levels of metals like lead and nickel in their bodies due to mining operations. The lawsuit demands health monitoring and calls for urgent intervention to address this humanitarian crisis.
Brazil’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office has filed a lawsuit against mining giant Vale, the Brazilian government, and the Amazon state of Para regarding heavy metal contamination affecting Xikrin Indigenous people. This civil lawsuit, initiated on Friday, alleges that Vale’s nickel mining operations at the Onca-Puma site have polluted the Catete River, which flows into Indigenous territories.
An agreement reached in 2022 between Vale and the Xikrin provided for monthly compensation, but did not address health concerns, according to the prosecution. A study by the Federal University of Para in the Xikrin do Catetete Indigenous Territory revealed alarming levels of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and nickel in the hair of nearly all surveyed individuals, whose total numbered 720.
As a precaution against contamination, the Xikrin people now rely on bottled water for their children and buy fish from municipal markets. Among the shocking findings, a 19-year-old woman had nickel levels that exceeded the safe limit by 2,326%. Untreated heavy metal poisoning poses risks of severe health issues, including brain damage and organ failure.
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office is advocating for Vale to implement a permanent health monitoring program for the Xikrin community. They are also requesting technical and administrative support from the state of Para, which provided the environmental license, along with the federal government, to ensure proper environmental oversight and safeguard Indigenous health.
The lawsuit describes the situation of the Xikrin as a “true humanitarian tragedy,” urging the judiciary to respond urgently to prevent further suffering. In a written statement, Para’s environmental agency noted their agreement with Vale established in 2024 aimed at mitigating socio-environmental impacts from Vale’s nickel mining activities.
Vale and Brazil’s Ministry of Health have not yet responded to requests for comments from the Associated Press. As Vale prepares for the upcoming United Nations climate conference, COP30, in Belem, they are constructing a large infrastructure project called Parque da Cidade, spanning 50 hectares.
Historically, Vale has faced scrutiny for two major environmental disasters in 2015 and 2019, which resulted from waste dam failures and led to 291 fatalities and extensive pollution of waterways.
The lawsuit against Vale illustrates the severe environmental and health impacts of mining activities on Indigenous communities in Brazil. With alarming contamination levels of heavy metals in the Xikrin people, the need for immediate judicial and administrative action is emphasized to protect these vulnerable groups. Given Vale’s past environmental disasters, the situation demands urgent intervention to prevent further suffering.
Original Source: apnews.com
