Vale expects to regain Onca Puma and Sossego copper mine licences

Both licenses are expected to be reinstated within 48 hours, Vale said, adding it would then resume operations at both mines “as soon as possible” while starting to implement unspecified socio-environmental measures agreed by the two parties.

Para suspended the mines’ operating licenses earlier this year citing irregularities in an annual environmental report and “non-compliance” on mining mitigation efforts that it said resulted in conflicts with local communities.

Reuters reported last month the mining giant and the state government had moved closer to a court-mediated deal as Vale committed to resubmitting an environmental impact report meeting Para’s requirements.

The Onca Puma nickel mine has an estimated annual nominal capacity of 27,000 metric tons, while Sossego produced 66,800 metric tons of copper in 2023.