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Photo: Jeferson Capela
We invest in technological solutions to reduce operational risks associated with dams and TSFs and to ensure safety for people and the environment. Among these initiatives are the adoption of advanced technologies for Geotechnical Monitoring and the deployment of unmanned equipment for operations in higher-risk areas. We also invested in improving Vale's Geotechnical Laboratory (LGV) and in Research, Development, and Innovation (PD&I) projects, establishing partnerships with Universities and Research Centers.

GMC – Geotechnical Monitoring Center

Vale has 3 monitoring centers, distributed along the North, Southeast, and South corridors, in the states of Pará and Minas Gerais.

Vale's geotechnical monitoring centers are operational centers that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, using innovative technologies to monitor geotechnical structures, including tailings dams.

Using advanced technologies such as drones, radar, video surveillance systems, and sirens, the goal of these centers is to ensure the safety of operations and communities through continuous monitoring.

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Photo: Ricardo Teles

Unmanned equipment

The use of unmanned equipment is one of Vale's great innovations. In higher-risk areas, vehicles such as trucks, tractors, and excavators are operated remotely, via remote control, allowing activities to be carried out from a distance, ensuring complete safety for the workers involved. These devices have been widely used in tailings removal and in the de-characterization of upstream raised dams.
In addition, remote drilling is used for geotechnical investigations. This solution enables investigation of structures without requiring on-site presence, significantly reducing exposure to operational risks.

Geotechnical Laboratory

Conceived in 2019, Vale's Geotechnical Laboratory (LGV) was created with the purpose of generating knowledge about the functioning of soil and materials used in mining, supporting the safety and efficiency of operations. Today, it is a national and international benchmark in technology, methods, and quality of geotechnical investigations.
Located in the Center for Mineral Development (CDM) in Santa Luzia (MG), the laboratory has state-of-the-art equipment for advanced soil and tailings testing, providing highly reliable scientific data. In addition to supporting Vale's operations and projects, it plays an essential role in validating new methodologies and developing solutions that strenghthen the safety of structures and operational efficiency.
In addition to supporting Vale's operations and projects, it plays an essential role in validating new methodologies and developing solutions that strengthen the safety of structures and operational efficiency.

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Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I)

Geotechnical challenges in Brazil and worldwide demand increasingly intelligent solutions. In this context, Vale has significantly expanded its investments in Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) — US$7.9 million has already been invested in more than 50 projects in the Geotechnical Directorate.
These initiatives have contributed to new technologies that go beyond the company, strengthening the mining sector on a global scale. Among the recent advances, new forms of operation stand out, such as open innovation in partnership with world-renowned universities and research centers (USP, UFRGS, UFOP, UFV/UNB, University of Toronto, Polytechnic of Montreal, Taileng, University of Coimbra, NGI and Imperial College).

In the practical applications, the following stand out:

  • Use of artificial intelligence and automation - to predict scenarios and optimize decisions; 

  • Expansion of autonomous and unmanned vehicles in higher-risk areas - to increase safety and efficiency; 

  • Circular economy projects - focused on reusing tailings as an alternative to dams, aligned with the principles of sustainability and innovation.  

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Photo: Daniel Mansur

Mining 4.0: Applying New Technologies for Digital Transformation

We believe that innovation is one of the keys to a safer, more efficient, and sustainable future. That's why we are at the forefront of Mining 4.0, applying digital technologies to transform every step of our operational
We integrate automation, connectivity, and data intelligence to optimize processes and reduce risks.

The main technologies we use include:

Autonomous trucks and automated drilling rigs that increase productivity.
Connected sensors for real-time monitoring of equipment and dams.
Advanced analytics to predict failures and improve operational efficiency.
Data-driven decision making and intelligent algorithms.
Safe inspections in high-risk areas and accurate geological mapping.
Virtual simulations for strategic planning.

Traceability and transparency throughout the value chain.

Specialized technical support for conducting geotechnical tests to strengthen the methodologies applied in the production chain.
Partnerships and research, development, and innovation projects to strengthen knowledge, techniques, and practices.

By applying these technologies, we achieve important benefits such as:

Operational Efficiency

Reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

Real Sustainability

Optimized use of resources and reduced environmental impact.

Advanced Safety

Less human exposure to hazardous environments.

Smart Decisions

Real-time data for assertive strategies.

By integrating automation, connectivity, and data intelligence, we reinforce our commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability. This continuous evolution allows us to anticipate challenges, make more precise decisions, and transform our end-to-end operations, preparing Vale for a more resilient, innovative, and competitive future.