What's GISTM?

The Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) was launched on August 5, 2020, by a joint initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).

This is the first global standard in the mining sector, considered a world milestone for the safety of tailings dams. GISTM is structured around 6 topics, divided into 15 principles and detailed in 77 auditable requirements, establishing clear parameters to reinforce security, transparency, and accountability in the management of these structures.
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Journey

Vale, as a member of the ICMM, has publicly committed to implementing the Standard in all of Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs). This commitment provided the adaptation of structures classified as having “extreme” and “very high” consequences by August 2023, and for the remaining structures (not in safe closure) by August 2025.

To ensure this compliance, Vale created the GISTM Journey Program, a strategic initiative focused on continuous improvement. The program establishes a robust system to identify, correct, and prevent gaps, aligning the company's practices with the highest international standards of safety and sustainability.

Reaffirming this commitment, Vale has already implemented GISTM in all 37 of its TSFs in the Iron Ore Solutions business and in 13 TSFs in the Vale Base Metals, regardless of consequence classification.

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GTMI

In January 2025, the Global Tailings Management Institute (GTMI) was created to oversee the application and evolution of GISTM worldwide.
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Photo: Jeferson Capela

Principle 15 of GISTM

The last principle of GISTM brings together three requirements for public disclosure of information, ensuring active communication channels and transparency through standardized, complete data.

What does Principle 15 say:

To publicly disseminate and ensure access to up-to-date information on tailings storage facilities, reinforcing accountability and public responsibility. 

In accordance with Principle 15, Vale makes all updated information regarding our EARs available through an interactive page.

GISTM Executive Summary (documents)

Here you will find the GISTM Executive Summary for the Iron Ore Solutions business, including guidelines and progress on implementing the standard in Vale's operations.