Brazilian federal and state prosecutors have asked a court to re-open a multi-billion dollar civil action suit against miners for damages caused by the Fundao dam burst in 2015.

The Xingu dam, in Mariana, was elevated to risk level 2, with level 3 on the scale indicating imminent risk of collapse.

Document signed by Vale and the Brazil government has the potential to transfer to the miner the management of some national parks in Minas Gerais, according to prosecutors.

Country still takes baby steps when it comes to research and exploration compared to major producers like Canada and Australia, or even neighbors Chile and Peru.

The deal would make Cleveland-Cliffs the biggest flat-rolled steel producer in North America.

Activities at the Viga mine are unaffected, company said.