"Brazil Iron: UK court case launched over mining project in Bahia", 24 Apr 2024

...Brazil Iron, a self-described "sustainable" mining company, is accused of damaging the environment, health, crops and water supplies of local communities near its Brazilian mine.

The company strongly refutes the claims. It says its project to produce greener steel could save millions of tonnes of carbon emissions annually and create thousands of local jobs if it is given a full licence to mine.

But locals like Catarina claim the mine has already caused extensive damage through its research alone. Other residents allege explosions from the mine cracked their houses, and dust pollution has affected their health.

There are 103 claimants now in the UK legal case, with claims spanning from 2011-2022.

They are seeking compensation for what their lawyers describe as "physical and mental health injuries and environmental losses" and are presenting their formal claim to a UK court...

The company says those making such claims have no evidence, and that it has offered independent medical examinations to members of the community...

The company paused operations in 2022 after a disagreement with Bahia's state government over its permission to mine and is awaiting a new licence...

Some of those who protested against the mine's activities or joined the English lawsuit allege they were intimidated by mine employees and other residents, dissuading them from taking action and claiming it could harm them financially.

This led to a court injunction being issued against the company, ordering it to prevent staff from contacting the claimants except through lawyers.

Brazil Iron was found by the UK High Court to have broken this injunction when it wrote letters to some of the claimants after the order was made...

Brazil Iron denied its research had impacted the environment or community and said its "doors are always open" to mitigate any problems.

It said the allegations were "untrue" but could still have a "devastating impact on the economy of the area".

It also argues it is "not appropriate" for the claims to be brought against the company in a UK court, and plans to challenge this and request it be heard in Brazil...