The safety of mineral tailings dams has become a prominent concern in recent years, especially following incidents of dam failures that have caused significant environmental and human damage. A recent public hearing titled “Safety and Risk Prevention of Mineral Tailings Dam Ruptures” underscored the urgent need for stringent safety measures and regulatory oversight.
Key Points from the Public Hearing
Held on June 11, 2024, in Brasília, the public hearing featured discussions on the decommissioning of the Caldas Unit, the first uranium mine in Brazil. The mine, inactive since 1995, poses ongoing risks due to its tailings dams. The hearing underscored the necessity of a coordinated effort among various stakeholders, including government agencies and regulatory bodies, to address these risks.
Financial and Regulatory Challenges
Emphasizing the financial burden of ensuring the safety of mineral tailings dams, an estimate was made that the required investment would be around 500 million dollars. It was proposed to establish an inter-ministerial commission to oversee the execution of a comprehensive safety plan. This plan would involve significant contributions from regulatory bodies such as the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) and the National Mining Agency (ANM).
Actions by CNEN and INB
A representative from CNEN’s Directorate of Radioprotection and Nuclear Safety provided insights into the historical context and current responsibilities of CNEN. He detailed the regulatory actions taken before and after legislative changes, particularly focusing on the Caldas Unit’s decommissioning efforts. The representative assured that CNEN closely monitors radiological impacts on the surrounding population, with current levels remaining below the public safety threshold.
The decommissioning process, managed by Brazilian Nuclear Industries (INB), has been classified as a level 1 emergency, the lowest level. Despite this, INB is actively revising its emergency classification, with ANM evaluating the potential removal of the emergency status.
Collaborative Efforts
The hearing highlighted the collaborative efforts between CNEN, IBAMA, and ANM. It was noted that CNEN’s inspectors accompany all environmental inspections at the Caldas site, ensuring comprehensive oversight and regulatory compliance. This collaboration aims to minimize environmental impacts and expedite the decommissioning process.
Importance of Robust Regulation
In his closing remarks, it was reiterated CNEN’s commitment to safe nuclear technology use and the importance of robust regulation to mitigate the risks associated with energy generation technologies. The ongoing efforts to enhance the safety of mineral tailings dams underscore the need for strong regulatory frameworks and inter-agency cooperation.
Conclusion
The safety of mineral tailings dams is a complex and multifaceted issue requiring significant financial, regulatory, and collaborative efforts. The recent public hearing underscores the critical need for coordinated action to prevent future dam failures and protect both the environment and public health. As these efforts continue, the role of regulatory bodies like CNEN will be vital in ensuring the safe and sustainable management of mineral tailings dams.
You can watch the hearing on Youtube channel of Câmara dos Deputados