This month, Vale completed the de-characterization of another structure built using the upstream method, Dike 2 of the Pontal System, located at the Cauê Mine in Itabira (MG). This is the 13th structure of this type to be eliminated by Vale in Brazil since 2019, and the sixth to be de-characterized in the municipality. With this, the company has completed more than 40% of the 30 structures to be eliminated in the de-characterization program, as they were built using the same method as the Brumadinho dam. 

Dike 2 has not received any tailings since 2019, and the de-characterization work generated approximately 200 jobs, both direct and outsourced, with priority given to hiring local workers.  

Dike 2 was the sixth upstream structure to be removed in Itabira, out of a total of ten dams included in the de-characterization program. In September 2022, the Ipoema dam at Mina do Meio and Dike 3, also in the Pontal system, had already been removed. Previously, dams 4 and 5 of the Pontal system and the Rio do Peixe dam were de-characterized. 

Furthermore, to increase safety and reduce the impact in case of an emergency, a downstream containment structure (ECJ) was built as a precautionary measure for the works to eliminate the Minervino and Cordão Nova Vista dams at the Pontal dam. The Coqueirinho ECJ, as it is called, like the others built by Vale, complies with the regulations of the National Mining Agency (ANM) regarding the adoption of measures to increase safety during the de-characterization phase. 

The B3/B4 dam, located at the Mar Azul mine in Nova Lima (MG), had its emergency level reduced from 2 to 1 by the National Mining Agency this Monday night (9/10). The progress of the de-characterization process, with the removal of approximately 85% of the reservoir's contents, led to an improvement in the dam's stability conditions and made it possible to reduce the emergency level, as required by current legislation.

Despite the improvement in the dam's stability conditions, in a joint decision with the Municipal and State Civil Defense, and in compliance with the regulations of the National Mining Agency (ANM), the structure's self-rescue zone (ZAS), now at Emergency Level 1, must remain evacuated as a preventive and safety measure. As such, there will be no return of families or release of access at this time.

The B3/B4 dam is one of 18 upstream dams still to be eliminated by Vale and is part of the company's de-characterization program. As of 2019, 12 of the 30 planned structures have already been eliminated (nine in Minas Gerais and three in Pará), representing 40% of the total. The Company expects to complete the elimination of the 13th structure this month.

Click here to read the full press release (available only in Portuguese).

Fulfilling the commitment assumed with the ICMM, with society and its employees, Vale has implemented GISTM in 48 of its 50 tailings storage facilities (TSFs), 35 of which are in the Ferrous business unit in Brazil and 13 in the Base Metals business unit (11 in Canada and 2 in Brazil). The two remaining Ferrous TSFs in Brazil have a lower consequence classification and it will comply with the standard by August 2025, following the criteria of the Conformance Protocols defined by ICMM. The 48 compliant TSFs meet the GISTM requirements, and some of them have action plans in place according to the Conformance Protocols.

To access the complete Press Release, click here.

More information about the Vale’s dams is available at www.vale.com/web/esg/. 

Vale informs that the Declarations of Conformity and Operability ("DCO") of the Emergency Action Plans for Mining Dams ("PAEBM") have been denied for four of its structures, namely Monjolo, ED Monjolo, Porteirinha (Piracicaba River, MG) and Dam 7 (Jeceaba, MG), in accordance with Resolution No. 95/2022 of the National Mining Agency (ANM). The DCO became mandatory in 2022 and specifically evaluates the PAEBM and related measures. The denial signals that there are actions to be taken by Vale to ensure that the referenced PAEBMs have adequate operating conditions. The company is acting to resolve the identified discrepancies as soon as possible.

Vale reiterates that the stability conditions of the four structures remain unchanged. Of the four structures, only Dam 7 was in operation for tailings disposal at the time of the assessment. Based on the negative DCO and prioritizing the best safety conditions for its employees and communities, Vale has suspended the operation of Dam 7 and related production processes until the actions related to the corresponding PAEBM are implemented.

Vale S.A. informs that Mr. Manuel Lino Silva de Sousa Oliveira was appointed today as Lead Independent Director of Vale's Board of Directors. Mr. Ollie Oliveira has been an independent member of the Company's board since 2021, with recognized performance on several international boards in the industrial area and with more than 35 years of experience in corporate finance and strategy, mainly in the mining sector.  

To access the complete Press Release, click here. 

And for more information, access the Board of Directors and Leadership.  
 

Vale released yesterday its Tax Transparency Report 2022, which details the taxes and royalties paid in Brazil, where most of our operations are located, and those paid globally to all spheres of government and by project.

We highlight the jurisdictions where we have our mining operations, since our tax contribution plays a fundamental role in supporting the communities, people and governments of the regions where we operate.
In 2022, Vale paid US$ 9.6 billion in taxes and royalties, of which US$ 8.7 billion (90%) were paid in Brazil.

Click here to access the full report.

And for additional information, please visit Ethics, Compliance and Tax Transparency.
 

Vale S.A. informs that it has entered into an agreement with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The agreement will terminate a lawsuit filed by the SEC against the Company in April 2022 and will be effective once ratified by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Under the agreement, without admitting or denying the settled claims, Vale will make payments totaling US$ 55.9 million to the SEC. In addition, the SEC will not oppose Vale’s motion to dismiss all claims that the Company acted with fraudulent or reckless intent regarding its disclosures. Vale continues with its commitment to remediate and repair the damage caused by the dam collapse in Brumadinho in 2019.

Click here to access the Press Release.

Vale's Ethics & Compliance Program is completing two years. In line with our commitment to transparency, we are releasing the second edition of our Ethics & Compliance Annual Report, which gathers information from 2022.

In addition to Whistleblower Channel and Consequence Management data, including the number of terminations of employment in 2022, the document highlights the implementation of our new channel for employees and contractors in Brazil to report sexual harassment or discrimination with specialized and empathetic support. Information about our communication and training actions carried out last year, such as Ethics Week, is also shared in this report.

Click here to access the report. 

For more information about the Program, visit the Ethics & Compliance page.

From the 22nd to the 24th of March, Vale will participate in the UN Water Conference 2023 in New York.
The purpose of the conference is to review the implementation of the Decade Goals: Water for Sustainable Development.

In addition to being present at the conference, we will also promote a virtual Side Event: Challenges and opportunities for sustainable water management in the mining industry.

Our goal is to encourage discussion about the mining sector's relationship with water and present common challenges and best practices aiming at the rational and sustainable use of the resource.

Speakers
Bruno Ferraz (Environment Executive Manager | Vale)
Guilherme Alves (Environment Manager | Vale)
Renata Andries (Water Resources Specialist| Vale) 
David Soares (Water Resources Specialist| Vale)
Felipe Tavares (Superintendent of Hydrological and Socioeconomic Studies | ANA | National Water Agency) 
Cláudia Salles (Manager of Sustainability | IBRAM | Brazilian Mining Institute)
Valmir Pedrosa (Professor and Consultant | UFAL | Federal University of Alagoas)
Alice Castilho (Director of Territorial Management |CPRM | Geological Service of Brazil)
Luis Armacollo (Corporate Account Manager | CEBEDS representative | Brazilian Business Council for Sustainable Development)
Guilherme Freitas (Global Health, Safety and Environment Manager | NEXA)

PARTICIPATE AND HELP US SHARE THIS IDEA!

Date: March 22, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm (NY time | EDT)

To attend the event,

​The B5/MAC (Nova Lima), Marés II (Belo Vale), Santana (Itabira), and Paracatu (Catas Altas) dams, all in Minas Gerais, had their emergency level removed and obtained a positive declaration of stability (DCE), attesting the safety of the structures. 

​In view of the biannual submission of Stability Condition Declarations (“DCEs”) to the National Mining Agency (“ANM”), on March 31, 2022, Vale informs that a dam (Porteirinha) has been added to the list of structures with negative DCE. Thus, there are currently 30 dams without DCE and with active emergency level protocols, reflecting the greater scrutiny and rigor adopted in the risk management program associated with dams, through continuous monitoring via EoR (Engineer of Record). Also in line with the evolution of governance and management processes, a review was made of the number of dams included in the National Dam Safety Policy (“PNSB”). The updates refer to the following structures:

1. Porteirinha Dam, located at the Água Limpa mine, in the municipality of Santa Bárbara/MG, intended for sediment containment, located at the Água Limpa mine, in the municipality of Santa Bárbara/MG, which had a negative DCE emission, within the process of continuous performance evaluation carried out by the respective EoR from the review of new information obtained with new drilling and testing data. In this sense, the level 1 emergency protocol was activated, according to the Emergency Action Plan for Mining Dams, without the need to evacuate the Self-Rescue Zone downstream of the structure and without material impact on the company's operations. It is a small-sized, conventional earth dam, with about 2.4 million cubic meters of accumulated sediment volume. Vale will establish complementary studies and implement additional security measures for the structure, in line with its conservative approach to risk management.

2. Pondes de Rejeitos, in the municipality of Parauapebas/PA, was permanently excluded from the PNSB due to its de-characterization.

3. Dique 02 and Dique 06, located in Barão de Cocais/MG and São Félix do Xingu/PA, previously reported within the scope of the PNSB, had this reporting removed due to a review of the regulatory understanding.

4. Bacia 05 Pé de Serra, Captação de Água, Lagoa Azul and Natividade, located in the municipalities of Corumbá/MS, Parauapebas/PA, Brumadinho/MG and Ouro Preto/MG, respectively, with previous reporting as mining structures included in the PNSB, were removed from such framework in the condition of structures for water catchment, non-related to the mining activity.

In this context, the total number of Vale's mining structures included in the PNSB decreases from 110 to 103. The company reiterates that its priorities are the safety of people and communities downstream of its operations and the safety of all its structures. For more information on the management and performance of Vale's dams, visit the pages dedicated to the themes on the company's ESG Portal.

​Vale considers that the Bill 191/2020 does not meet the objective of regulating the constitutional provision that includes the possibility of economic activities, including mining, on indigenous lands in Brazil.

Vale's performance is guided by the respect for the rights of indigenous peoples and the company understands that mining on indigenous lands may only take place with the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) of the indigenous themselves and in light of a regulatory framework that contemplates the participation and autonomy of indigenous peoples. The recognition of FPIC is essential to meet the rights of indigenous populations to determine their own development and the right to exercise self-determination in face of decisions that concern their territories.

Vale also reinforces that it does not have any mining rights nor does it carry out any research or mining activities on indigenous land in Brazil. Last year, the company announced the relinquishment of all its mining processes on indigenous lands in the country, which includes research and mining requirements. Withdrawal requests were filed with the National Mining Agency (ANM) throughout 2021.

Vale develops activities in traditional lands in countries where there are regulations in force, such as Voisey's Bay in Canada, always with strict observance of the principles mentioned above, with emphasis on Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), as legally applied in the jurisdictions in which Vale has mining activities

​Vale thanks the New Climate Institute and Carbon Market Watch for publishing the Climate Corporate Responsibility Monitor report, which analyzes the climate change strategies of 25 large global corporations, and keeps the topic under discussion. 

Vale believes, however, that, for a future edition of the study, the authors could complement their analyses with qualification of the sectoral challenges of which the companies evaluated are part. Mining and steel are admittedly hard-to-abate sectors, whose decarbonization trajectory is marked by a high degree of uncertainty in technological routes and high decarbonization costs.

Vale's decarbonization strategy is public and based on a global policy. Vale's annual climate change performance is evaluated by specialized institutions such as Sustainalytics, Climate Action 100+, RFC Ambrian, among others. The company even received an A-rating, above the average for the mining sector, in the assessment of CDP - an international non-profit organization that brings together 13,000 companies in 90 countries and represents more than 590 investors with assets from order of USD 110 trillion.

Vale has a historic commitment to fighting climate change and for almost 20 years has voluntarily published its emissions inventory and advances in the climate change agenda. In 2019, Vale updated its emission reduction commitments, based on the requirements of the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), formally submitting them to the institution's validation. The company's net zero goal, which encompasses scopes 1 and 2, is technically in line with SBTi guidelines and only assumes emission reduction initiatives – it does not consider offsetting.

The company was one of the first to establish a quantitative scope 3 emission reduction target, also based on the SBTi requirements, with the only difference of allowing marginal use of offsets for the scope 3 target due to the high emission reduction challenge in steel customers.

Vale has robust internal governance that supports the cultural and technological transformation required for the decarbonization of mining and its value chain, notably the steel industry. Last year, the company launched a new product on the market, the green briquette, which has the potential to reduce emissions by up to 10% in steel mills. To date, Vale has entered into partnerships to develop decarbonization solutions with customers that represent approximately 30% of the world's steel production and about 40% of the company's scope 3 carbon emissions. 

The use of Nature-Based Solutions to offset any possible residual emissions that cannot be abated through technological solutions is conditioned to advances in discussions on the implementation of a global carbon market, with predictable and reliable rules, based on discussions already started with the regulation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, during COP 26, in Glasgow. As explained at COP-26, however, Vale believes in the potential of Nature-Based Solutions to mitigate global warming.  Currently, the company helps to protect almost 1 million hectares of forests in the world, an area 11 times larger than that occupied by its operations, thus contributing to the protection of native fauna and flora species, mainly endemic and threatened with extinction.  In 2019, the company also announced a voluntary commitment to protect and restore an additional 500,000 hectares of forests by 2030. In two years, 6,000 hectares have already been recovered and partnerships have been signed to protect 115,000 hectares of forests in Brazil. 

Vale's purpose is to improve life and transform the future. Together.

​Conclusion of the works on dike 5, in Itabira (MG), represents an advance in the company’s commitment to eliminate every upstream dams it has in the country.

The decharacterization works in dike 5 of Pontal dam, in Itabira (MG), are concluded. The structure lost its upstream characteristics and does not store tailings anymore. The work was done with the adoption of rigorous Covid-19 prevention protocols. 


Since 2019, Vale already eliminated seven upstream dams in the country. The most recent, in July, was Fernandinho dam, in Nova Lima, in Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region. In total, four structures in Minas Gerais e three in Pará were already decharacterizated and reintegrated in the environment.


Other 23 structures, all of them in Minas Gerais, will have their upstream characteristics eliminated. The projects are in action and are monitored by the regulators, Ministério Público and independent technical audits. Vale reinforces its commitment of eliminate all the upstream dams in the country, assumed in 2019, in the lower term possible, prioritizing people’s and environment’s safety.



The work conclusion of dike 5 represents an advance in the Decharacterization Program and in Vale’s commitment with a more transparent and safe management of its dams. The Decharacterization Program schedule and other information about the management of Vale’s dams are available and are regularly updated at www.vale.com/esg.

 

​The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion report aims to increase transparency about how we are performing, objectively presenting our advances, challenges and opportunities in this long journey.
 

Vale released its first report on climate changes, an initiative that reinforces the strategic importance of the subject to the company. The purpose of the document, which will be published annually, is to map the exposure of Vale's assets to climate change risks, in line with the guidelines of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TFCD) and present the resilience of the company's business strategy before climate change scenarios.
 

​The Sul Inferior dam, at the Gongo Soco mine, in Ouro Preto (MG), had its emergency level reduced from 2 to 1, on June 18, 2021. The change, which reflects the increased safety and stability of the structure, is a result of a series of corrective works on the structure's slope, carried out by Vale in recent months. The improvements were monitored and certified by the technical consulting firm in charge.
The reduction in the level of emergency was filed with the competent bodies, according to guidelines established in the Emergency Action Plan for Mining Dams (PAEBM) and by the Brazilian legislation, and reported to the National Mining Agency (ANM) and to the technical audit supporting the Minas Gerais Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPMG).
Despite the increased safety, the families evacuated from the Sul Inferior dam’s Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS) will remain preventively relocated until the completion of the de-characterization process of the Sul Superior dam, located nearby.
Sul Inferior is a water and sediment containment dam, built in a single step, considered one of the safest construction methods. It is monitored 24 hours a day by the Geotechnical Monitoring Center (CMG) and is regularly inspected by internal and external teams. Vale will continue to carry out maintenance and adjustment activities so that the indicators follow the most conservative parameters established by specialized technical consultants, focusing on the safety of the people who work and live in the surroundings of the structure.
 

​Vale hereby discloses to the market the final report ("Report") of the Extraordinary Independent Advisory Committee for Dam Safety ("CIAESB"), which ended its activities in May 2021.
 

​The Doutor dam, at the Timbopeba mine, in Ouro Preto (MG), had its emergency level reduced from 2 to 1, on May 18, 2021. The change, which reflects the increased safety and stability of the structure, is a result of a series of actions that have been carried out by Vale in recent months. Among them, geotechnical investigations, maintenance of pumping to reduce the water level in the reservoir and improvement works on the left abutment, one of the sides of the dam. These actions were monitored and certified by the responsible technical consultancy.
The reduction in the level of emergency was filed with the competent bodies, according to guidelines established in the Emergency Action Plan for Mining Dams (PAEBM) and by the Brazilian legislation, and reported to the National Mining Agency (ANM) and to the technical audit supporting the Minas Gerais Public Prosecutor’s Office (MPMG).
Despite the increased safety for the community of Antônio Pereira and Vila Residencial Antônio Pereira, families that have been removed from the Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS) of the Doutor dam will remain preventively relocated until the structure's decharacterization process is completed.
The Doutor dam is monitored 24 hours a day by the Geotechnical Monitoring Center (CMG) and is regularly inspected by internal and external teams. Vale will continue to act in compliance with the best international engineering practices, focusing on the safety of the people who work and live close to the structure.


 

​In 2021, the Integrated Report was launched replacing the Sustainability Report. With a more concise approach and greater focus on the ESG strategy, the document was prepared according to the guidelines of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC), in addition to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards.
 

​Vale informs, regarding the semiannual submission to the National Mining Agency (ANM) of the regular safety inspection reports (RISR) related to the Company's dams, as defined by the National Dam Safety Policy, under the terms of Ordinance 70.389/2017 DNPM/ANM, that the company updated its information on the agency’s registry on March 31, 2021.
 

Among the 104 structures included in ANM’s Integrated Management System for Safety of Mining Dams - SIGBM, the Company informs that 75 structures of its operational units of Ferrous Minerals and Base Metals in Brazil now have positive Stability Condition Statements (DCEs), an increase of 3 structures in relation to February 2021.
 
As of today, three additional structures have positive DCEs and, as a result, their emergency protocol at level 1 is removed. They are: (i) Capim Branco, Mina Jangada, Brumadinho, MG; (ii) Menezes II, Córrego do Feijão Mine, Brumadinho, MG; and (iii) Taquaras, Mina Mar Azul, Nova Lima, MG. The security conditions of these structures were considered adequate by the EoRs after the adoption of measures to improve safety.
 
A total of 29 structures in the Ferrous Minerals business do not have positive DCEs today, having active emergency protocols, according to the respective PAEBM, 18 of which are at emergency level 1, 8 at emergency level 2 and 3 at emergency level 3. All 11 structures related to the Base Metals business have positive DCEs.

 

Vale informs that, on this date, the Company's Board of Directors approved the call notice for the Annual General Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting, to be held on April 30, 2021, at 10 a.m., Brasilia time, exclusively through virtual means, under the terms of the call notice.    

On the occasion, the shareholders will have the opportunity to elect Vale's Board of Directors for the 2021-2023 term, among other deliberations provided for in the agenda. The Management Proposal is available for consideration and, to assist shareholders in the analysis of the items in the Meetings' Agenda, we invite shareholders to access Vale's 2021 Proxy Statement.
Shareholders may exercise their voting rights by means of: (i) absentee ballots, by submitting voting instructions prior to the Meetings; or, (ii) participation via electronic system at the time of the Meetings. 
The documents related to the Meetings, listed below, are available here.


 

​Vale  informs that, in line with its iron ore production resumption plan, the emergency level of the Itabiruçu dam, located at the Itabira Complex, has been removed after a thorough analysis of its geotechnical characteristics. As of this moment, the dam is in compliance with the legal safety parameters and released. 
 

​Vale informs that today it started, on a preventive basis, the Level 2 emergency protocol for the Norte/Laranjeiras dam, of the Brucutu mine, in the municipality of Barão de Cocais, MG.
 

​Vale has been in the Amazon for more than 30 years helping to protect approximately 800 thousand hectares of rainforest in partnership with Brazil’s ICMBio. 
 

Vale informs that, in line with the continuous monitoring of the safety conditions of its geotechnical structures, and as a result of regular inspections and frequent interpretations of data related to the structures, performed through the function of the Engineer of Record (“EoR”), it started today, on a preventive basis, the Level 1 emergency protocol of the Paracatu and Patrimônio dikes, a protocol that does not require the evacuation of the population downstream of the structures.
 

Vale informs that it has published today, its first annual Tax Transparency Report as part of our new pact with society and journey to better engage our stakeholders. 



In 2019, Vale paid US$ 4.5 billion in taxes and royalties globally, of which more than 90% (US$ 4.2 billion) were paid in Brazil, where most of our operations are carried out. The amount of US$ 4.5 billion in taxes and royalties paid in 2019 corresponds to more than 10% of Vale’s total economic contribution last year. In addition to tax payments, this contribution includes operational costs, salaries and employee benefits, among others. 


The report sets out the principles behind Vale’s approach to tax and investment. It includes information about corporate income taxes, tax on mining, payroll taxes, tax on products and services and other taxes, providing data on the taxes paid in Brazil, Canada, Indonesia, Mozambique and New Caledonia. 


With this publication, Vale meets with one year in advance its commitment to deliver a detailed tax transparency report as part of its ESG agenda. According to an action plan to fulfil Vale’s ESG reporting commitment, the report was originally scheduled to be published in 2021.


The disclosure of the Tax Transparency report demonstrates Vale’s commitment to transparency as it follows the principles recommended by international entities such as the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). 
 

​Vale informs that today it started, on a preventive basis, the Level 1 emergency protocol for Barragem 5, at Mina da Mutuca, Nova Lima (Minas Gerais), a protocol that does not require the evacuation of the population downstream of the dam. This tailings dam was built with compacted soil, with a downstream construction method and no longer receives mining tailings.This protocol is a preventive measure.

  ​Vale informs that today it started, on a preventive basis, the Level 1 emergency protocol for Barragem 5, at Mina da Mutuca, Nova Lima (Minas Gerais), a protocol that does not require the evacuation of the population downstream of the dam. This tailings dam was built with compacted soil, with a downstream construction method and no longer receives mining tailings.This protocol is a preventive measure.

​Vale informs that, on the present date, the Board of Directors has decided to create and establish the Nomination Committee, another important step towards Vale's corporate governance evolution, in which a specific body will directly assist the Board of Directors, proposing improvements related to the structure, size and composition of the Board, in addition to recommending the skills, profiles and potential nominees for the Board, so that Vale continues to benefit from the plurality of arguments and a decision-making process with quality and care, in compliance with laws, ethics and best corporate governance practices. 
 

​Vale informs that, from this date onwards, Denis Cuenca takes on as Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”), reporting directly to the Board of Directors and, will be responsible for the compliance office, including the integrity department, the internal audit and the whistleblower channel.


 

Vale seeks to be a tireless protagonist towards the neutrality of GHG emissions in the steel, metallurgical and shipping industries and in this sense and in this context, the company updated its climate change policy with strategies to become carbon neutral by 2050.
 

Check out detailed information about Vale's structures in the Technical Reports section of our Dam Control and Management page.


 

To know Vale's ESG Action Plan, access Our Strategy and Commitments page.


 

Vale updated about its Board and Leadership page with information on the Board of Directors' members, assessment processes, among others. Besides that, the page contains uptades about Vale's Committees, including the Audit Committee established in March 2020.

 

Vale updates its Compensation page with an analysis and discussion on the compensation of its executives and informations regarding the 2019 e 2020 annual bonus panel.
 

​Rio de Janeiro, May 14th, 2020 – Vale S.A. ("Vale") informs that it will invest at least US$2 billion to reduce by 33% its direct and indirect absolute emissions (scopes 1 and 2) by 2030. Direct emissions come from operations, and indirect emissions come from external sources involved in the production process, such as electric power consumption. The goal is aligned with the Paris Agreement, which established a maximum limit for increasing the global average temperature of 2°C by 2100.

The investment amount, already included in Vale's capex guidance for the coming years, is the largest amount ever committed by the mining industry to fight climate change. With this initiative, Vale aims to transform itself into a company with zero net emissions in scopes 1 and 2 by 2050, leading the industry towards carbon-neutral mining. Details on the scope 1 and 2 target were unveiled by Vale's CEO, Eduardo Bartolomeo, during a conference with investors. Click here to access the full presentation. 

This initiative is an evolution on Vale's climate agenda. In December at Vale Day – a meeting with market analysts held in New York and London – Vale had announced its goal to reduce its emissions and established an internal carbon pricing of US$50 per metric ton of CO₂ equivalent, for capital projects and competitors.

"This agenda is a result of a listening process, aligned with a real climate change-related demand from society for a robust reduction of emissions in the scope 1 and 2. We are stepping forward to develop a New Pact with Society with more transparency and responsibility", comments Eduardo Bartolomeo.

Since Vale Day, the Low Carbon Forum was established – a group led by the CEO and composed of six executive officers and employees from different areas of the company – whose purpose is to guide the implementation of the commitments made. The initiative reflects the engagement of Vale's management on the issue, as well as, the constant evolution on the climate agenda. According to Luiz Eduardo Osorio, the executive officer for Institutional Relations, Communication and Sustainability, 35 initiatives are under analysis using the "Marginal Abatement Cost Curve" – a tool that allows the classification of projects by costs and potential for reducing emissions.

"There are projects for the use of biodiesel in Base Metals, energy efficiency, electrification of mines and railroads, biofuels in pelletizing instead of coal, and renewable energy, since one of Vale's goals is to achieve 100% of self-production of electric power from clean sources, such as wind and solar, in its plants around the world," explains Luiz Eduardo Osorio.

By the end of the second half of this year, some pilot projects will be in operation. Vitória-Minas railway (EFVM) will have the first 100% electric locomotive. Electric vehicles will be tested in underground operation at Creighton, Coleman and Copper Cliff's mines in Canada and Vale's pelletizing plant in Vitória (Espirito Santo) will be tested with biofuel.

The base year used to calculate the carbon goal was 2017, when Vale's emissions reached 14.1 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (MtCO₂e). The goal is to reduce it to 9.5 MtCO₂e by 2030. In parallel, the projects to disassociate its production from carbon emissions, Vale will recover and protect another 500 thousand hectares of native forest by 2030. Today, the company helps to protect more than 1 million hectares worldwide.

Scope 3

In addition to its ambition to neutralize its scopes 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2050, Vale aims to establish a goal for scope 3 to encourage clients and suppliers in the same direction.  Through active engagement with clients from the steel and metallurgy industries, Vale will work to reduce emissions in its value chain. The company will guide its operations based on win-win relationships, less intensive products, and new technologies

​ Vale  informs that it has initiated, in a preventive manner, the Level 1 emergency protocol of the Dicão Leste dam, of the Fazendão Mine in Catas Altas (MG), a protocol that does not require the evacuation of the population downstream of the dam.

​The Sustainability Report presents Vale’s actions and learnings from the breach of Dam I of the Córrego do Feijão mine, in Brumadinho (Minas Gerais, Brazil). It also describes the managerial changes made to business processes since the event, in addition to economic, environmental and social performance of the organization.

​Vale announces that has already anticipated R$521 million in payments to small and medium-sized companies since the beginning of the crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The company plans to inject another R$411 million into the Brazilian economy in advance of payments until the end of April, totaling R$932 million to help almost 3,000 suppliers in Brazil to address this moment. 

Vale informs that it continues to improve its Tailings Management System (“TMS”), with the support of international experts, and brings updates regarding its structures.

​Vale has been following the evolution of the coronavirus outbreak (Covid-19) in Brazil and aiming to preserve the integrity of its employees, service providers and shareholders at the Annual Extraordinary and General Meetings’ (“AGM/E”), which will be held, cumulatively, on April 30th, 2020, the Company encourages the remote participation of shareholders as an option for in-person participation.

​Vale  in continuity with the press release dated March 11th, 2020, informs that the Board of Directors appointed the third member to compose the Audit Committee.

Vale discloses a series of support initiatives for its suppliers during a crisis caused by the coronavirus epidemic.

Vale has closed the purchase of 5 million new coronavirus (Covid-19) rapid test kits to help the Brazilian government combat the spread of the illness in the country. 

​Vale disclosure a timeline with actions and deadlines to adress the recommendations presented in the final Report of the Independent Committee for Extraordinary Assessment (CIAE-A)

Vale has released the documents for the Annual and Extraordinary Meetings of Shareholders, to be held on April 30, 2020.​

Vale continue to monitor and report to authorities about the Gongo Soco mine. The construction of the tailings containment structure located in the proximity of the Sul Superior dam was completed.​

​Vale states on the new Bill 191/2020 which is being processed in the National Congress and aims to regulate economic activities, such as Mining, in Indigenous Lands.

​Final report prepared by the Extraordinary Independent Consulting Committee for Support and Reparation was released with recommendations and monitoring of action plans related to the Brumadinho event.

​Vale is committed with all efforts and resources to mitigate the possible impacts related to the incident with the MV Stellar Banner vessel, owned and operated by the South Korean.

​The summary of the report prepared by the Extraordinary Independent Consulting Committee for Investigation for Investigation was released with recommendations of a technical and governance nature.

​Vale update on the decharacterization plan, including Doutor and Campo Grande dams and the three drained stacks structures.

​Vale is announcing new commitments for 2030 and, in addition, mapped its GAPs in ESG and brought them together in an Action Plan for monitoring and alignment with best practices. Check out the action plan.

The temporary suspension of disposal of tailings of the Brucutu was a proactive conservative measure of the company while assessing the dam’s geotechnical characteristics.