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    Dam Rupture at Brazil Iron Ore Mine May Impact Pricing

    Written by Sandy Williams


    Two dams at the Sarmarco Mineracao SA iron mine, jointly owned by BHP Billiton Ltd and Vale SA, ruptured on Thursday, triggering a mudslide that engulfed the village of Bento Rodgrigues. The flow was estimated to be eight kilometers long and 2.5 meters deep. The dams held tailings, mining waste, from ore operations. Samarco issued a statement saying the waste is not toxic and contains mostly silica.

    According to local media reports up to 15 people were killed and 45 missing in the village of approximately 600 people. Villages downstream of the flow were also being evacuated.

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