Vale has suspended all operations at the Onça Puma nickel mine in Brazil.

The mine was suspended October 4 after the Environmental and Sustainability Office at the Para state government suspended its license. A judge ordered the reinstatement of the mine on October 7, Vale said, and the company is working to reverse this suspension order.

Vale's license was suspended because Vale failed to comply with the permit regulations, which stipulated the company must provide services for communities living around the mine, Mining.com reported.

Onca Puma was previously shuttered in 2017-2019 due to its alleged impact on indigenous communities and Vale had been ordered to pay millions in damages in 2018.

Vale's shares lost 1% in Brazil yesterday and the company is capitalised about US$75 billion. 

Onça Puma produces 58,000 tonnes of nickel annually.