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In 2024, we conducted a new data collection for the Community Perception Survey, which included local and traditional communities in the territories where Vale operates in Brazil. The objective of this survey, now in its second edition for local communities, is to continuously assess the level of trust communities have in the company, the favorability of our presence in the territories, and the perception of quality of life within these communities. 

Photographer: Alexandre Rezende / Nitro

Context matters

It is important to highlight that survey results should always be analyzed not only from a quantitative perspective, but also by considering the environment and overall context in which the survey was conducted. Only then is it possible to understand certain factors that may influence community perceptions. 

In 2024, Brazil held municipal elections, Vale underwent a leadership transition, and there were important discussions surrounding the Mariana agreement. These are clear examples of situations that may have had some impact on the survey findings, whether directly or indirectly related to Vale. 

About the 2024 edition

The study included 6,683 respondents across five Brazilian states (ES, MG, RJ, MA, and PA) and a total of 221 communities, of which 168 were local and 53 were traditional. 

Key Results for Local Communities

The 2024 results show that, in general, the communities have a balanced gender distribution, and the age group with the highest representation is between 25 and 44 years old.
When analyzing income distribution, the proportion of residents classified as being in “extreme low income” declined in the 2024 results, suggesting an improvement in people's living conditions.

Income Distribution in Local Communities

% of extreme low-income responses (self-reported) (2022 vs. 2024)
2022 2024 Variation (p.p.)
43
32
-11
Regarding the perception of quality of life in the community, it was observed that it declined in 2024 compared to the survey conducted in 2022. However, there was an improvement in the perception of progress within the community.

Level of Satisfaction with Quality of Life in the Community​

%Total Satisfied Responses (Very Satisfied + Satisfied)​
2022 2024 Variation (p.p)
70
58
-12

Perceived Community Progress (Last 12 Months)

% Total 'Progressed' Responses
2022 2024 Variation (p.p.)
34
37
+3
Regarding the problems identified by the communities, it is clear that for issues related to health, education and employment, the government is classified as one of the main agents for solving them. Vale is seen as responsible for solving problems related to environmental and noise pollution, and mobility.

Primary Community Issues and Assigned Responsible Parties – Local Communities

The perception of the company's direction and the recognition of its social actions also remains stable, with slight variation, as does the reach of its communication.

Right Direction in the Relationship with Vale​

% of Total 'Right Direction' Responses
2022 2024 Variation (p.p.)
57
54
-3

Recognition of the Existence of Vale's Social Actions

​% of answers YES, there are Vale shares
2022 2024 Variation (p.p.)
18
18
0

Reach of news about Vale in Communities

% of “Yes, I saw” responses (2022 vs. 2024)
2022 2024 Variation (p.p.)
24
27
+3
Question: In the last 12 months, have you seen or heard any news about Vale?​

For reputational requirements, compared to the 2022 wave, Vale achieved reductions in all four attributes. And, although the biggest reduction was in the trust attribute, the result obtained remains strong, at 73%. 

When evaluating Vale's service channels, the challenge of improving knowledge and use of these channels becomes clear. 

Knowledge of grievance and feedback channels

% of responses

Don't know any Know at least one​
70
30

Used of grievance and feedback channels​

% of responses “YES” (2022 vs. 2024)

2022 2024 Variation (p.p.)
3
4
+1

Principal results for Traditional Communities

In 2024, there was also an opportunity to delve deeper into and learn more about the reality of traditional communities, which participated in the research for the first time. These communities are made up of quilombola groups, coconut breakers, artisanal fishermen and geraizeiras. 

The results show that, in general, they have a balanced gender distribution and the age group with the greatest representation is between 25 and 44 years old. 
Regarding income distribution, it is observed that 50% of respondents declared that they are in the “Extreme low income” category, which means a family income of less than 1 minimum wage.

Income Distribution in Traditional Communities

% of Self-Declared Monthly Income Responses by Range
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Extreme Low Income Low income Middle income High income Don’t Know or Prefer Not to Answer
50
28
18
3
1
Extreme Low Income: Monthly income up to one minimum wage
Low Income: Monthly income above one and up to two minimum wages
Middle Income: Monthly income above two and up to five minimum wages
High Income: Monthly income above five minimum wages
More than half of the respondents from traditional communities are satisfied with the quality of life in their community. Additionally, 40% of respondents believe that their community has made progress over the past 12 months.

Level of Satisfaction with Quality of Life in the Community

% of responses on a rating scale
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Dissatisfied Neutral Satisfied Don’t Know or Prefer Not to Answer
18
21
60
1

Perceived Community Progress (Last 12 Months)

% of responses on a rating scale
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Worsened Remained the Same Improved
11
49
40
For the general problems faced by traditional communities, Vale appears in the research as being responsible for addressing issues related to unemployment, road quality, and paving.

Primary Community Issues and Assigned Responsible Parties – Tradicional Community

In general, most respondents say that their relationship with Vale is on the right track. Among respondents from traditional communities, 36% do not recognize the existence of Vale's social actions, while 30% say they are aware of such actions. A total of 34% did not know how to respond.

Right Direction in the Relationship with Vale

%  of reponses in raiting scale – wrong direction vs. right direction
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Wrong Don’t know Right direction
13
26
61

Perceived Presence of Vale’s Social Actions

% of responses in raiting scale
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Do Not Exist Don’t Know Yes, They Exist
36
34
30
The reputation indicators related to favorability and trust fall within the medium and strong ranges, respectively. However, there are still opportunities to improve image-related aspects such as Familiarity and Advocacy.
Finally, regarding grievance and feedback channels, 72% of respondents said they were not aware of any. This data may suggest the need to enhance the dissemination of these channels within the communities.

Knowledge of grievance and feedback channels

% of responses
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Don’t know any Know at least one
72
28

Used listening and relationship channels

% of responses “YES”  (2022 vs. 2024)
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No Yes
98
2

Looking to the Future to strengthening Relationships of Trust

The results of the perception survey provided valuable insights for Vale in terms of strengthening relationships of trust and respect with communities. Based on the feedback, our efforts will focus on: 
 
  • Advancing the management of socio-environmental impacts that influence trust and community relations; 
  • Maintaining focus and consistency in Vale’s socio-environmental initiatives, aligned with community expectations and needs; 
  • Promoting efforts toward more responsible mining; 
  • Ensuring that investments are intentionally directed toward community relationships, enhancing receptiveness and trust.