CEO Patrick Pouyanne said the company’s priority was "value over volume", adding that oil sands were among the high breakeven projects in Total's portfolio.
The Canadian miner said measure was taken after violent groups blocked main road to the mine, which has prevented essentials from reaching the operation.
Public prosecutor for the state of Minas Gerais, where the iron ore mine is located, ordered the company to reschedule two public meetings as it had failed to inform of it to all communities potentially affected by the planned expansion.
Company said it preserved the right to shut down operations in the country and to take legal actions to protect itself and its assets should the dialogue with the ministry of energy and environment fails.