Mine Safety - Two dams burst at Brazilian iron mine

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In summary, a recent disaster in Brazil has highlighted the dangers of dumping mine tailings in an area near a mine. This practice, while common, can lead to potential failures and deadly consequences, as seen when two dams failed at an open-pit Samarco mine owned by BHP Billiton and Vale. The resulting floods of water and mud destroyed a nearby village and affected others far down the valley. The death toll is uncertain and many are still missing. This disaster has raised concerns about the safety of similar mining operations and the need for better regulations and precautions.
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Astronuc
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It is commons practice to dump mine tailings in an area near a mine. In areas where it rains, water may accumulate behind burms and the tailings which form an earthen dam.

In valleys, lakes can form behind dams leading to potential failures.

http://abcnews.go.com/International...village-dam-burst-mudslides/story?id=35024425

Scores missing as deadly mudslide flattens Brazil village
http://news.yahoo.com/least-17-dead-dam-bursts-brazil-mining-waste-022224741.html

http://news.yahoo.com/photos/two-da...-at-brazil-iron-mine-photo-1446841117332.html

In Brazil, two dams failed flooding several villages down the valley.

Dozens missing in Brazil mine disaster, death toll uncertain
http://news.yahoo.com/dam-burst-vale-bhp-mine-devastates-brazilian-town-013112268--finance.html

Walls of water filled with mining waste cascaded downhill when the dams burst on Thursday, engulfing a nearby village in a sea of mud and flooding others far removed from the open-pit Samarco mine jointly owned by BHP Billiton and Vale.
The water and mud was reported to be 15 to 20 in depth, or height.

About 80% of the village Bento Rodrigues (which is about 93 miles (150 km) southeast of Belo Horizonte, Brazil's third largest city and the capital of the mining state of Minas Gerais) was destroyed. And authorities have trouble reaching the area.
 
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Google Earth gives a good view of what was sitting above them before the collapse.

BrazilBeforeDamCollapseII.jpg


And this is just the very bottom of a much larger mining area.

BrazilBeforeDamCollapseI.jpg
 

FAQ: Mine Safety - Two dams burst at Brazilian iron mine

What caused the two dams to burst at the Brazilian iron mine?

The exact cause of the dam burst is still under investigation. However, it is believed that heavy rainfall and construction defects may have played a role.

How much damage did the dam burst cause?

The dam burst caused significant damage to the surrounding area and communities. It released a large amount of toxic waste and mud, destroying homes, roads, and vegetation.

What are the potential environmental impacts of the dam burst?

The dam burst has led to severe environmental impacts, including water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and destruction of ecosystems. The toxic waste released from the dam can also have long-term effects on the health of humans and wildlife in the area.

What measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?

The Brazilian government has launched an investigation into the dam burst and is implementing stricter regulations for mining companies. The mine's owner, Vale, has also committed to investing in safety measures and compensation for those affected by the disaster.

What can be done to mitigate the effects of the dam burst?

Efforts are being made to contain the toxic waste and repair the damage caused by the dam burst. This includes clean-up operations and providing support to affected communities. It is also important for mining companies to prioritize safety and environmental protection in their operations to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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