Upstream Dam De-characterization Program in Brazil
Vale's priority is the safety of people and communities downstream of its operations, as well as the safety of all its structures. In this sense, one of the company's main initiatives is the Upstream Dam De-Characterization Program, which covers all our 30 dams, dikes, and drained piles in Brazil with upstream heightening method.
Under the upstream heightening method, the body of the geotechnical structure is built from the thick tailings deposited in the reservoir, by successive stratification and in the opposite direction to the flow of water (upstream). This is the same construction method used on the collapsed dam in Brumadinho.
What is de-characterization?
Program evolution
**Reconformation of the dam massif in a single step underway
The company expects to complete its Upstream Dam De-Characterization Program in Brazil by 2035, according to the synthetic schedule below.
Schedule of the Upstream Dams De-characterization Program in Brazil
Elimination of Upstream Dams per Year (unit)
Vale emphasizes that the deadlines proposed above are based on the best information and techniques available at the time. They can be adjusted based on a relevant fact or condition that appears, in particular, related to the safety of the de-characterization process.
Resources for the de-characterization of upstream dams
Vale's Upstream Dam De-Characterization Program has provisions recorded, as regularly disclosed in the Company's Financial Statements. As of December 31, 2022, Vale recorded a provision balance for the Program of US$ 3.378 billion, which excludes disbursements, exchange rate adjustments and present value accumulated since 2019.
Technical Reports
In compliance with the Term of Commitment for De-characterization signed with the main regulators and the Public Ministry, Vale makes available the monitoring reports on the execution of the de-characterization works of its upstream dams:
