Atmospheric Emissions - ESG
Atmospheric Emissions
The main atmospheric emissions for Vale’s business are: particulate matter (PM), sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
These primary pollutants are released into the atmosphere by the stacks of the Pelletizing, Base Metals and Manganese plants, as well as from the burning of fuels in mobile equipment, which can directly influence in the air quality around our operations.
The management of atmospheric emissions at Vale focuses on the sources inventory, which can be stationary or mobile, punctual or diffuse, providing technical information to support the mathematical model that calculates the dispersion plume of pollutants based on criteria from the literature, operational characteristics, as well as meteorological and topographical parameters. In compliance with environmental requirements, we also maintain and operate air quality monitoring networks in some operations and surrounding communities. These initiatives support the adoption of control systems, monitoring plans and emissions management.
The share of contribution of Vale's businesses to these parameters may varies according to operational particularities. Based on the year 2018 (NON-GHG atmospheric emissions target baseline), emissions are distributed as shown in the graph below:
These primary pollutants are released into the atmosphere by the stacks of the Pelletizing, Base Metals and Manganese plants, as well as from the burning of fuels in mobile equipment, which can directly influence in the air quality around our operations.
The management of atmospheric emissions at Vale focuses on the sources inventory, which can be stationary or mobile, punctual or diffuse, providing technical information to support the mathematical model that calculates the dispersion plume of pollutants based on criteria from the literature, operational characteristics, as well as meteorological and topographical parameters. In compliance with environmental requirements, we also maintain and operate air quality monitoring networks in some operations and surrounding communities. These initiatives support the adoption of control systems, monitoring plans and emissions management.
The share of contribution of Vale's businesses to these parameters may varies according to operational particularities. Based on the year 2018 (NON-GHG atmospheric emissions target baseline), emissions are distributed as shown in the graph below:
Notes about the graphics above:
- NOx and SOx: Fixed sources and fuel consumption considered.
- PM: Stationary sources only.
- Diffuse sources are not considered, due to lack of measurement methodology
- Air quality results, measured outside our operations, are not considered, due to the impossibility of managing contributions from external sources unrelated to our operations.
Vale calculates these emissions using four technical methods, which are briefly described below:
Continuous monitoring: consists of fixed analyzers installed on the side structure of the chimneys, following technical criteria. They are designed to continuously measure the parameters, with qualitative and quantitative data of the gaseous effluent.
Discontinuous monitoring: procedure known as isokinetic sampling, where a sample of known volume is extracted from the gaseous effluent and after laboratory analysis, it is possible to determine the characteristics of the gaseous effluent and determine the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the emitted parameter. This type of monitoring is performed with a frequency defined by the environmental authorities.
Emission factor and fuel sulfur content: calculation of emissions using emission factors, according to equipment characteristics and fuel content, adopting technical and literature references.
Mass balance: consists in quantifying the input, output, accumulation, generation or destruction of the substance of interest, calculating, by difference, its emission to the environment.
KPI’s Report
SOx Emissions
(thousand tons)
NOx Emissions
(thousand tons)
Emissions of Particulate Matters
(thousand tons)
Note1: The 2018, 2019, and 2020 SOx, NOx, and Particulate Matter results went through revision in 2021.
Note2: The results of emission from Fertilizer, New Caledonia, Manganese units, as well as navigation and distribution activities were removed from the baseline of the target according to the disinvestment processes.
Note2: The results of emission from Fertilizer, New Caledonia, Manganese units, as well as navigation and distribution activities were removed from the baseline of the target according to the disinvestment processes.
Evolution of Vale's emissions performance
Particulate matter (MP)
In 2021, particulate matter emissions were 47% lower than in 2020, due to reduced production at the PTVI plant and at the Tubarão pelletizing plants, as well as the shutdown period at Sudbury. In 2022 we had a 12.5% decrease in particulate matter emissions compared to 2021, with the progress in minimizing the impacts of atmospheric emissions from our local operations.
Highlights for 2022 include the enclosure of 32 belt transfer houses, the closing of the coal loading silo, the deployment of 10 new wheel washers, the adaptation of 234 belt chutes, and the start of work on new Wind Fence.
Sulphur Oxides (SOx)
In 2022 sulfur oxides emissions totaled 75.7 thousand tons, a 16% reduction from the previous year and a 49% reduction from the 2018 baseline.
Nitrogen Oxides(NOx)
In 2022 nitrogen oxides emissions totaled 44.7 thousand tons, a reduction of about 10% from the previous year, this reduction is a reflection of a decrease in PTVI production in 2022 and operational improvements. Compared to the 2018 baseline, a 40% reduction in NOx emissions was achieved in 2022.
Goals
In line with its commitment to improve the sustainability of its business and, with its ambition to lead the transition to low carbon and cleaner mining, Vale has also established targets to reduce its atmospheric emissions of particulate matter (MP), sulfur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx)by 2030:
- Reduce particulate matter emissions by 16%;
- Reduce emissions of Sulphur Oxides by 16%;
- Reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 10%;
- The targets set have 2018 as the base year.
NON-GHG emissions reduction in 2030 – (mt)
After the Brumadinho accident in 2019, there was a reduction in production due to the shutdown of some operations, consequently generating a reduction in emissions in this year and subsequent years. After the gradual return of operations and programs to increase production until 2030, a proportional increase in the emissions curve is expected. With the planned initiatives, we project reductions in NOx, SOx and PM emissions.
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To accomplish this this commitment, several initiatives will be implemented, with emphasis on:
Synergy of PM, NOx and SOx reduction projects with the low carbon strategic planning.
Encouraging specific technological initiatives that contribute to reduce these emissions.
Use of biofuels;
Operational efficiency;
Governance through specific technical committees, follow up with the low carbon forums and GHG work groups.
Risk and Impact management
Vale seeks to reduce diffuse emissions by adopting a range of controls such as improving sprinkler systems, testing dust suppressor products, improving management processes, among others.
In addition, the monitoring of emissions and air quality has been upgraded to automatic and continuous systems, aiming at better management and fast reaction in case of deviations.
We also maintain a policy of improving operational processes and reducing fuel consumption.
In addition, the monitoring of emissions and air quality has been upgraded to automatic and continuous systems, aiming at better management and fast reaction in case of deviations.
We also maintain a policy of improving operational processes and reducing fuel consumption.
Business Case
PET Recycling
In partnership with the Espírito Santo Federal University (UFES in portuguese), Vale developed and patented a biodegradable dust suppressor resin produced by a chemically recycling PET. The product has a characteristic sealant that maintains moisture in stockpiled material, railroad wagons and unpaved roads. This initiative and technology will help Vale to reduce its particulate matter emissions, improving air quality in surrounding communities, in addition to foment plastic waste recycling, making businesses more sustainable.
Vale installs mist cannons at Tubarão
In 2018, was signed a new Environmental Commitment Term (TCA in Portuguese) to reduce particulate matter emissions at Tubarão operational unit in Vitória (ES). The term signature involved the Federal Public Ministry, State Public Ministry, State Secretariat for the Environment and State Environmental Institute and aims to ensure transparency in implementing all initiatives presented by the Environmental Master Plan.
Clean AER Project in Sudbury, Canada
At our Sudbury unit in Canada, Vale completed the Clean AER Project, in which a total of US$ 1 billion has been invested since 2012. The project reduced 85% of SOx emissions from the foundry at Copper Cliff. In addition, the project will also reduce our smelter's greenhouse gas emissions by 40%.
PET Recycling
In partnership with the Espírito Santo Federal University (UFES in portuguese), Vale developed and patented a biodegradable dust suppressor resin produced by a chemically recycling PET. The product has a characteristic sealant that maintains moisture in stockpiled material, railroad wagons and unpaved roads. This initiative and technology will help Vale to reduce its particulate matter emissions, improving air quality in surrounding communities, in addition to foment plastic waste recycling, making businesses more sustainable.
Vale installs mist cannons at Tubarão
In 2018, was signed a new Environmental Commitment Term (TCA in Portuguese) to reduce particulate matter emissions at Tubarão operational unit in Vitória (ES). The term signature involved the Federal Public Ministry, State Public Ministry, State Secretariat for the Environment and State Environmental Institute and aims to ensure transparency in implementing all initiatives presented by the Environmental Master Plan.
Clean AER Project in Sudbury, Canada
At our Sudbury unit in Canada, Vale completed the Clean AER Project, in which a total of US$ 1 billion has been invested since 2012. The project reduced 85% of SOx emissions from the foundry at Copper Cliff. In addition, the project will also reduce our smelter's greenhouse gas emissions by 40%.