MAC: Mines and Communities

CVRD seeks damages

Published by MAC on 2006-10-31

CVRD seeks damages

Mining Journal

31st October 2006

Cia Vale do Rio Doce (CVRD) is seeking US$10 million in damages from local Indian communities who forced a two-day suspension of exports from its Carajas mine.

In a statement issued today, the Brazilian iron-ore miner said it also wants the government to charge members of the Xikrin group with kidnapping, trespassing and vandalism.

The Brazilian miner stopped production on October 18 after Indians, armed with bows and arrows, "violently" invaded the complex and demanded more royalties from the company.

The Carajas complex, along with other CVRD-owned mines, is situated on and around land owned by the Xikrin Indians.

At its peak the occupation involved around 200 protesters.

Speaking at the time, Raulien Olivera, who coordinates the offices of Brazil`s National Indian Foundation and helped negotiate the withdrawal of the Indians from the site said: "The withdrawal doesn`t mean the Indians are going back to their tribes with their tails between their legs.

"They will continue to push for more aid to compensate for pollution and other problems caused by the mine."

The mine produces 250,000 t/day of iron-ore and has reserves of 17,000 Mt.

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