Media Contact:
Claire Hermann, Mining Communications Manager, Earthworks +1 (202) 601-3043, chermann@earthworksaction.org
What: Press conference on the impacts of Vale’s mining operations on frontline communities in Brazil and Indonesia.
Who: Carolina de Moura of Instituto Cordilheira and Amein Muhammed, Executive Director of WALHI South Sulawesi. Moderated by Earthworks Tailings Manager Jan Morrill.
Where: Press Conference 2, Area D, Press 2
When: 15 November, 2025, 9 a.m. BRT (GMT – 3)
Background:
Mining giant Vale is trying to position itself as a hero in the fight to transition off of fossil fuels, yet the company’s track record in Brazil and Indonesia shows a long history of land disputes, displacement of Indigenous Peoples, and pollution problems. Minas Gerais in Brazil has seen two major tragedies at Vale mines. The 2015 Fundão dam collapse killed 19 people and affected thousands along the Doce River. The 2019 Brumadinho dam failure caused 272 deaths and devastation to the Paraopeba River. Vale’s operations in the area continue to pose serious risks and violate human rights. The company has also been operating a sprawling network of nickel mining and processing facilities in the Indonesian province of Sulawesi since 2011. For years, communities near these facilities have been asking Vale for answers. At this press conference, you’ll have the chance to hear from them directly.
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