Federal Judge Halts Samarco Expansion License Over Missing Climate-Risk Analyses

Overview

• Issued on Dec. 19 by Judge Patrícia Alencar Teixeira de Carvalho, the ruling suspends the 'Projeto de Longo Prazo' license at the Germano mining complex between Mariana and Ouro Preto.
• The court sided with residents of Bento Rodrigues who challenged the July 2025 state license, and the Federal Prosecution Service supported the suspension.
• The judge faulted the EIA for relying on historical rainfall data and required hydrological and geotechnical modeling with future climate scenarios, vulnerability and adaptation analyses, and a greenhouse-gas emissions inventory that evaluates impacts on climate targets.
• Minas Gerais authorities must ensure the new requirements are met, and the judge noted the installation phase already poses concrete threats, including authorized clearing of about 1,467.3961 hectares and construction of tailings infrastructure.
• Samarco said it had not been formally notified, affirmed confidence in the FEAM-led licensing, stated operations continue, and warned a halt could affect reparations, while residents' lawyers describe the ruling as a milestone for climate justice.