Mud from Brumadinho is expected to reach the São Francisco River basin in 15 days.

Juca Guimarães, Brazil of Fact - The toxic mud that leaked from the iron ore tailings dam in Brumadinho (MG) will reach the Três Marias region, where it will meet the São Francisco River basin, around February 15th. This is the prediction of the Brazilian Geological Survey (CPRM), according to which the tailings from the Vale mining company's iron ore extraction will have traveled approximately 300 km through the Paraopeba River basin in two weeks.

The São Francisco River basin encompasses 505 municipalities across six states, where 18 million Brazilians live, according to the São Francisco and Parnaíba Valleys Development Company (Codevasf).

From an economic standpoint, the river known as "Velho Chico" contributes to hydroelectric power generation and irrigated fruit farming – mainly in the Juazeiro-Petrolina region, between Bahia and Pernambuco, where the largest national production of mangoes and grapes for export is located.

Context

The water quality of the São Francisco River, which is navigable and could quench the thirst of thousands of people in the Northeast of Brazil in the coming years, is threatened by the collapse of the Feijão Mine dam.

The spill at the Vale mining operation occurred on January 25th, and the toxic waste reached the mining towns of Juatuba, São José da Varginha, and Brumadinho.

"Brazil cannot accept that disasters like this happen so frequently. The human and socio-environmental damage is irreparable and points to a clear urgency to rethink development models that disregard respect for nature and sustainability parameters. This is a time for solidarity with the families of the victims and those affected by the dam collapse, but we cannot fail to mention that water resource management in Brazil is dilapidated," laments Anivaldo Miranda, president of the São Francisco River Basin Committee (CBHSF).

In total, the basin covers an area of ​​almost 640 square kilometers, spanning the states of Minas Gerais, Goiás, Bahia, Pernambuco, Alagoas, and Sergipe.

In addition to its economic importance due to agricultural and energy production, the São Francisco River basin, with its 170 tributaries, ensures the survival of the region's fauna and flora, which encompasses three biomes – the Atlantic Forest, the Cerrado, and the Caatinga.

Alert

"The Mariana tragedy was in 2015. In February 2018, there was a major spill of bauxite tailings in Barcarena, Pará, and now in Brumadinho. The CBHSF (São Francisco River Basin Committee) has been committed to discussing mining issues and, last year, met with representatives from other river basin committees across the country to discuss the impact of major environmental tragedies on water resources. I believe we will only move forward when we involve the population and public authorities at all levels in the discussion of this problem," adds Miranda.

The mass of toxic tailings is advancing along the Paraopeba River in Minas Gerais at an average speed of 1 km/h. According to the president of the Committee, the dimensions of the impact on the São Francisco River basin will depend on rainfall. However, "the death of the Paraopeba River is an accident of planetary proportions."

Technicians from the National Water Agency (ANA) were in Juatuba this Tuesday to monitor the path of the mud. Vale reported that it will try to contain the advance of the tailings to prevent water intake in Pará de Minas, located 85 km from the capital of Minas Gerais, from being affected. At the same time, the company is trying to propose emergency solutions to prevent the damage from spreading beyond Minas Gerais in the coming days.