The Mining Observatory (Observatório da Mineração) is an investigative journalism centre dedicated to monitoring activities of the mining sector in Brazil to increase transparency and hold the sector to account for abuse. In May 2025, the Observatory reported intimidation by after requesting the company’s response to a technical note about alleged human rights violations in the municipalities of Araçuaí and Itinga.

After offering the company an opportunity to respond to the allegations, the Observatory reportedly received a letter from an extrajudicial notification, reportedly sent by the company’s lawyers, warning that publication of any article on the matter could result in legal action. The Mining Observatory noted that they made several attempts to contact the company without any response and viewed this action by the company as an attempt at censorship and intimidation.