SAO PAULO - Brazilian miner Vale said on Monday that it has once again halted operations at its Onca Puma nickel mine after the state of Para obtained a judicial order to reinstate the suspension of the venture's operating license.
Operations at Onca Puma were first halted in early October due to alleged non-compliance with local regulations. A judge granted Vale an injunction on October 7 allowing it to resume activities, but that was overruled by a higher court.
Vale said in a securities filing that it would take measures seeking to overturn the decision.
Para's environment department said on October 4 that the license was suspended due to Vale's failure to comply with terms of the permit, which included an obligation to provide services for communities surrounding the mine.
Vale's nickel production in Brazil reached 16 000 t in 2020.