The conflict between Companhia Vale do Rio Doce and the Quilombolas began in 2004, when Vale's pipeline project, as the first owner of Mineração Paragominas, and its processing facility Alunorte, allegedly disrupted their way of life. Claims of insufficient transparency and inaccurate environmental assessments sparked protests, and despite a 2007 agreement, Vale's alleged failure to meet compensation commitments and address environmental concerns led to ongoing disputes. Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, now Vale, sold Mineração Paragominas, and its processing facility Alunorte to Norsk Hydro in 2011.