Just two weeks after a federal court shut down progress on the 11.2-GW Belo Monte hydropower project, a Supreme Court decision has overturned this work stoppage.

HydroWorld.com reported earlier this month that a Brazilian federal court suspended development of the US$17 billion project, saying indigenous people had not been properly consulted.

However, Brazil's most recent Supreme Court decision overturns that ruling, saying local communities should have had the right to voice their opinions on the environmental impact of the Belo Monte hydropower project before it was approved by the country's congress.

The decision could be revised again as the Supreme Court examines more evidence.

The controversial hydroelectric facility has seen other work stops since construction began in 2011, including one caused by a strike in April.