Social performance

We operate under a commitment to respecting the rights of our communities and the environment

We recognize that we are a part of, and can positively contribute to, the communities where we operate. With this in mind, we have defined our social ambition with an emphasis on our goal of supporting the development of autonomous communities, engaging around issues that are relevant to humanity, and advancing sustainable mining.   

However, we are also aware that our activities can cause disturbances to our communities and the environment. That is why we actively work to prevent risks and mitigate impacts through processes and standards that guide our social initiatives and how we engage with communities and society in general. We do this with an integrated view of the territory, considering the stages of the business life cycle as well as different activities, operations, and/or projects. 

We recognize that we are a part of, and can positively contribute to, the communities where we operate. With this in mind, we have defined our social ambition with an emphasis on our goal of supporting the development of autonomous communities, engaging around issues that are relevant to humanity, and advancing sustainable mining.  

However, we are also aware that our activities can cause disturbances to our communities and the environment. That is why we actively work to prevent risks and mitigate impacts through processes and standards that guide our social initiatives and how we engage with people, communities, and society at large.

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Principals guiding our Social Performance

Transparency​​​​

To be transparent in reporting the actions taken and the commitments made, keeping stakeholders informed, in appropriate language, about all activities and decisions that affect them;

Value sharing

To develop business practices that can generate economic value and increase Vale's competitiveness while simultaneously creating value for society and the environment;

Cultural transformation

To contribute so that our values, behaviors, levers, and ambitions are reflected in how we act socially and materialize our purpose of improving lives and transforming the future. Together.

Engagement

To promote dialogue and relationships with communities and other stakeholders for participatory decision-making;

Diversity, equity, and inclusion

To treat all people fairly and equally, respect and value their uniqueness, promote an inclusive work environment, and not tolerate any form of prejudice and discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, disability, religion, nationality, political beliefs, among others;

Operational ​Responsibility

To make decisions that reduce exposure to risks, cause the least possible harm (do no harm), and create value for society;

Social performance framework

Vale's Social Engagement is realized through the management of risks and impacts of our activities on communities and by supporting territorial development. This is supported by stakeholder relationships and is underpinned by an unwavering commitment to respecting human rights and complying with legal requirements, where every process, employee, and contractor must be vigilant to avoid any form of adverse impact. 

Engaging with stakeholders and communities is how we build respect and trust. By engaging with people, institutions and groups, including those who are vulnerable or underrepresented, we can incorporate the communities' perspectives into improving our processes. This helps us mitigate impacts, reduce exposure to risks, share our practices, and learn how to become a better company each day. In doing so, we become partners and support the development of the territories where we are present.  

Our social engagement involves the entire company in reducing communities' exposure to risks and mitigating the impacts of our activities. 

To facilitate the company's dialogue with communities, we have specialized teams dedicated to Community Relations. Learn more at Local communities.  

A Systemic View of the Territory

The pursuit of a systemic and integrated approach to our operations in the territory led, in 2023, to the creation of the Territorial Action Model, which is based on two main pillars: Territorial Governance and the Territorial Action Plans. 

The model is founded on the principle that the activities of various areas within Vale have impacts both inside and outside the company, and therefore must be guided by a shared strategy. In the PATs, different departments come together to discuss identified risks and impacts, and to assess how we are addressing and managing them through actions that foster relationships based on trust and respect—while also contributing to the development of communities neighboring our operations. Currently, we have 13 Territorial Action Plans implemented in Brazil.  

Targets and commitments

Consistent with our goal of supporting the development of the communities and territories where we operate, we have building and implemented engagement plans with 100% of the communities considered priorities in Brazil, a commitment initially planed for completion in 2026, but which was achieved in 2025. Aligned with this objective, we are also committed to supporting the development of rights plans for Indigenous Peoples neighboring our operations by 2030. In addition, we have made a pledge to lift 500,000 individuals from extreme poverty— an initiative that aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 1 – No Poverty. These efforts are primarily carried out through the Vale Foundation and the Vale Fund. Ultimately, we anticipate that our community initiatives contribute to improve Vale’s performance in major external assessments.

Targets for the coming years:

By 2026, develop Engagement Plans for 100% of priority communities (learn more);  

This commitment was made in 2025.

Help lift 500,000 people out of extreme poverty (learn more here);  

By 2030, all Indigenous Communities neighboring our operations to have plans in place to secure the rights outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (learn more).

By 2030, improve our position for social performance in major external assessments.  

Further information about the status of each of our commitments can be found here. 
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Governance and management of socio-environmental risks and impacts

Vale manages risks and impacts by implementing control and prevention measures across its operations. This includes responding to complaints received through listening channels, taking actions to minimize social and environmental impacts, and correcting any operational deviations that could negatively affect neighboring communities and territories. 

Matters related to social impact, including human rights, are continuously monitored by the Board of Directors’ Sustainability Committee and addressed by our Executive Committees for Operational Risks and Compliance Risks, following the guidelines in Vale’s Risk Management Policy. These committees take a preventive approach and are responsible for assisting executive vice presidents in monitoring business risks and making related decisions. 

All risks within Vale are assessed from the perspective of social and human rights. We adhere to methodologies, standards, and systems that are in line with Vale's risk management process and industry best practices.  

Applying these tools aids in identifying, assessing, managing, and monitoring risks. The most common risks in our industry include those related to community safety, conflicts arising from involuntary resettlement and land use, disturbances to local communities (primarily related to noise, dust, and vibration), disputes over natural resources, and impacts to roads and highways. More information about Vale's risk management process can be found here.

Related policies

Together Against Poverty

As one of our strategic pillars, Vale has proposed a new social pact with society: we aspire for our positive impact on communities to extend beyond taxes, social programs, and reparations in Brumadinho; instead, we aim to become a catalyst of broader development in the areas where we operate, while promoting a safer and more sustainable mining industry.  
 
In line with its social commitment to lifting 500,000 people out of extreme poverty, Vale articulates the Together Against Poverty initiative. This initiative joins companies, social organizations, academia, civil society representatives and government authorities to strengthen public policies and create a lasting legacy for the regions involved. 

Based on an approach that recognizes poverty as a multidimensional phenomenon, five dimensions are considered: income, education, health, nutrition and infrastructure. A multidimensional family monitoring methodology is implemented through the development of personalized action plans, designed jointly with each family to address identified challenges. Over a 24-month period, families receive support in implementing these action plans in partnership with government agencies and local organizations. Regular monitoring helps guide the efforts of both families and the network of partners. 

In 2025, around 60,000 people participate in initiatives, primarily in the states of Pará and Maranhão. Approximately 14 companies have contributed funding for activities in these regions, totaling more than BRL 30 million since the program began. Supporters include BNDES, EGTC, Enesa, the Banco do Brasil Foundation, Ápia, the Equatorial Institute, Logicalis, Michelin, Hatch, MIP, Plamont, Sotreq, U&M and Wheaton. 

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Onda

For 24 months, families receive support in implementing the actions, in partnership with public authorities and local organizations. Periodic monitoring helps guide the efforts of families and the network of partners. 

Currently, around 60,000 people participate in initiatives implemented mainly in the states of Pará and Maranhão. Approximately 14 companies have already contributed to the financing of actions in the territories, totaling more than BRL 30 million since the beginning of the program. Among the supporters are BNDES, EGTC, Enesa, Fundação Banco do Brasil, Grupo Ápia, Instituto Equatorial, Logicalis, Michelin, Hatch, MIP, Plamont, Sotreq, U&M and Wheaton. 

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Learn more about our Engagement with Communities

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Learn more about our Impact Management