Vale president temporarily steps down after mine tragedy

A firefighter takes part in the search for victims at the Vale plant after the rupture of a tailings dam that killed at least 165 people, with 156 missing. [AFP]

Brazilian mining giant Vale on Saturday accepted the temporary resignation of its president Fabio Schvartsman and three executives, weeks after a mine dam owned by the firm collapsed in the southeastern town of Brumadinho, killing 186 and leaving 122 missing.

According to a statement, Schvartsman and the other executives submitted the requests for "temporary removal from office" -- which were accepted immediately -- after prosecutors recommended their dismissal on Friday.