The PDE3 dam, located at the Brucutu mine in São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo (MG), obtained a positive Declaration of Stability Condition (DCE), certifying the safety of the structure, and its emergency level was closed on last Tuesday (5/9). Since early 2023, three dams have been removed from emergency levels. In addition, eight other Vale structures had their emergency levels closed in 2022. Of the 20 that remain on emergency level, all that have received tailings are inactive and 11 are in the process of being de-characterized. These dams are continuously monitored and receive ongoing actions to improve safety.

The PDE3 dam underwent reinforcement works that confirmed the dam's safety and stability conditions, allowing it to be removed from the emergency level and the DCE to be obtained. The structure contains approximately 70,000 m³ of sediment and was constructed using the single-stage method.

Read more here (portuguese only) and on our Dams page.

Vale's Base Metals business holds 43.34% of PT Vale Indonesia Tbk (‘PTVI’ or ‘the Company’), making Vale SA an indirect shareholder through its Base Metals ownership. Our operational focus centers in Sorowako, South Sulawesi, consisting of mining, smelting, and refining activities. PTVI's growth projects align with Indonesia's ambition to become a global electric vehicle hub, with ongoing initiatives in Central, South, and Southeast Sulawesi. PTVI is listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. Learn more at www.vale.com/indonesia.

This statement provides clarification of some key socio and environmental topics related to our activities in the region.

PTVI has pursued sustainable nickel mining and processing excellence since its establishment in 1968 and remains committed to ethical practices and ESG principles. Our interactions with local communities are rooted in dialogue and mutual agreement, ensuring just compensation in line with legal norms. PTVI undertakes a formal grievance process upon receipt of any stakeholder complaint. We actively address unauthorized encroachments within our concession area and collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure compliance. Any activities related to relocation and compensation adhere to the International Finance Corporation's Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability and other internationally recognized best practice frameworks. Farmers, for instance, who have been subject to involuntary displacement have been duly compensated.

Respecting Human Rights is a paramount concern for PTVI. Our Code of Conduct (CoC) and Human Rights Policy are aligned with international standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights. We emphasize open dialogue with local communities and authorities to resolve conflicts. Our commitment to Human Rights training for all security personnel, as outlined in our CoC, underscores this commitment. Reports of threats or harassment are treated seriously and reported to authorities as per national legislation. In compliance with Indonesian laws and regulations, PTVI reports acts of violence and disruption of mining activities through non-peaceful demonstrations, such as a recent occurrence near the Asuli and Lembo South area in 2023.

PTVI is also dedicated to enhancing the well-being of the communities where it operates and remains committed to mitigating any risk and impact of its mining activity on the area's water quality. The local community in Asuli village historically faced limited access to water sources and relied on water storage ponds for their water supply. Prior to commencing mining activities, PTVI conducted a comprehensive hydrological analysis to minimize potential impacts on existing water sources and storage ponds. This analysis revealed that the pre-existing water storage ponds already suffered from issues of being brown and muddy with limited water volume, confirming that the poor quality of the spring water existed prior to PTVI initiating mining operations in the area. Additionally, the Lembo South block featured unauthorized pepper plantations within a protected forestry area established by local communities alongside mining activities. Based on PTVI's hydrological analysis, there is no evidence of adverse effects on water storage ponds resulting from mining activities. Despite the limited extent of our mining operations in the Lembo South Block and the absence of any negative impact on the local communities' water storage ponds, PTVI has taken proactive steps in constructing multiple water tank facilities to cater to the needs of neighboring communities, especially the Asuli village.

Moreover, PTVI has consistently upheld an exceptional water quality record. We have been and remain fully committed to ensuring the availability of clean and safe water. Within Sorowako, PTVI effectively manages over 120 wastewater treatment facilities spanning more than 250 hectares to ensure that water discharge aligns with mandated standards. Rigorous effluent sampling and testing take place on a daily basis. Collaboration with accredited independent laboratories for the collection and processing of effluents, in conjunction with regular governmental oversight and assessments, underscores our commitment to compliance. This commitment extends beyond legal requirements, exemplified by PTVI's track record of surpassing prevailing laws and regulations. PTVI is dedicated to addressing concerns related to hexavalent chromium (Cr6+) within our operations. The 2022 PTVI Sustainability Report highlights our meticulous monitoring and sampling efforts, consistently demonstrating that Cr6+ levels in effluents remain well below permissible limits.

In Sorowako, including the Asuli village, our efforts in this regard have encompassed other various initiatives as well. To facilitate easier access to safe and clean water, PTVI has implemented the provision of water tanks, bolstering local communities' water supply infrastructure. Our approach is comprehensive, incorporating hydrological analysis, the establishment of clean water sources through water tanks and borehole wells within the existing network, the identification of springs, and the installation of necessary equipment. The hydrological analysis conducted underscores that our mining activities do not have a detrimental impact on the water supply. Our engagement with communities, in tandem with our collaboration with local authorities, is well-documented. Notably, since July 2023, the community has taken charge of a self-managed water system initiated and furnished by PTVI. Through active participation, the community maintains operation and upkeep of this system, ensuring the sustained availability of clean water.

PTVI refrains from making comments on the discretionary actions of the Police and regulatory bodies and affirms our commitment to legal adherence and ethical conduct, reporting instances of violence and vandalism involving PTVI's employees, contractors, and assets in accordance with its commitment to provide a safe and healthy workplace. . Our approach to conflict resolution prioritizes open dialogue involving the community, village, sub-district, district governments, and other stakeholders. These engagements are carried out with strict observance of the existing legal framework. PTVI’s dedication to the well-being of the community is reflected in our Code of Conduct (CoC) and Human Rights Policy. In line with these commitments, all PTVI security personnel, including contractors, have undergone human rights training.

During a protest in 2023, PTVI found that the protest escalated into vandalism. To avoid potential further escalations or a hostile situation developing, PTVI reported the situation to the authorities, deferring the enforcement to them, as per applicable law. While PTVI cannot comment on police discretion, PTVI's commitment to dialogue is unwavering whilst upholding our obligation to report incidents and prioritize peaceful resolution, fostering a safe and inclusive environment. Our commitment to community safety and respecting and promoting Human Rights is again prescribed in our CoC and Human Rights Policy.

Engagement through open dialogue is a cornerstone of PTVI's approach, and we actively prioritize interactions with the local community, village leadership, sub-district and district governments, as well as other relevant stakeholders. It is crucial to note that PTVI's influence does not extend to military actions. We respect military jurisdiction and are committed to safeguarding and upholding human rights within our operations. Inquiries or concerns pertaining to military conduct should be directed to the appropriate governing bodies in Indonesia.

PTVI reaffirms our commitment to open dialogue with civil society, to promotion of community welfare, and to abiding by the highest ESG standards.

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.
 

The dams Área IX (Ouro Preto) and Capitão do Mato (Nova Lima), both in Minas Gerais, obtained a positive Declaration of Stability Condition (DCE) and had the emergency level closed this week, attesting to the safety of the structures. In all, 10 of the company's dams have closed the emergency level since the beginning of 2022.

The continuous improvement in the safety conditions of Vale's dams is the result of the measures that have been implemented, such as the new management system for the company's tailings disposal structures, based on the lessons learned from the Brumadinho dam collapse and on the best and strictest practices, as defined in the Global Industry Standard for Tailings Management (GISTM).

Area IX - The Area IX dam, located at the Fábrica mine in Ouro Preto (MG), underwent a geological-geotechnical investigation campaign and received complementary instrumentation for its monitoring, which confirmed the dam's stability conditions and made it possible to obtain the DCE and emergency level removal. The structure contains around 768,000 m³ of tailings and is one of the 30 upstream dams of the company that are part of Vale's De-Characterization Program. As of 2019, 40% of them have already been eliminated, which is equivalent to 12 structures. The Area IX dam's decharacterization is expected to be completed by 2024.

Capitão do Mato - The Capitão do Mato dam is located at the Capitão do Mato mine, in Nova Lima (MG), and contains approximately 1.8 million m³ of sediments. The right shoulder region (natural terrain) of the structure received slope stabilization works and drainage improvements, which resulted in satisfactory safety and operating conditions, with the consequent issue of the DCE. The structure was built by the single stage method and has been inactive since 2019.

The actions were duly communicated to the competent agencies, according to the guidelines established in the Emergency Action Plan for Mining Dams (PAEBM) of the structures and in the current legislation, including the National Mining Agency (ANM), the Public Ministry of Minas Gerais (MPMG), the State Environment Foundation (FEAM), the State Secretariat of Environment and Sustainable Development (SEMAD) and the technical audit that accompanies the work on the structures.

For more information on the management and performance of Vale's dams, visit the Control and Management of Dams page.

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, click here.

Vale S.A. (“Vale”) informs that the B3/B4 dam, located in Nova Lima (MG), was removed from critical safety condition as the emergency level was lowered from 3 to 2.

The progress of the dam de-characterization, with the removal of more than 50% of the tailings, improved the stability conditions of the structure and made it possible to lower the emergency level. 

The Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS) of the structure on emergency level 2 will remain evacuated and access to the ZAS area will follow legislation and regulatory bodies review. The de-characterization of the dam will continue to be carried out by remotely operated equipment and is expected to be concluded in 2025. Vale expects to lower the emergency level to 1 by the end of 2023.

Eliminating upstream structures in Brazil is one of Vale's key commitments. By 2022, 12 structures were eliminated, representing 40% of Vale's de-characterization program. 

B3/B4 dam reduction level is an important milestone for Vale and is in lline with the expectation of no dams in critical safety condition (level 3 of emergency) by 2025.
 

For more information, access Control and Management of Dams

​Vale reiterates that the company has no mineral rights on Indigenous Lands in Brazil. In 2021, Vale relinquished all its mining rights on Indigenous Lands in Brazil, which includes all applications for exploration permits and mining concessions.

Vale's relinquishment is based on the understanding that mining on Indigenous Lands may only take place with the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) from the Indigenous people themselves and based on a legal framework that adequately regulates the activity.

The relinquishment notices were filed throughout that year with the National Mining Agency (ANM, the authority for the matter in Brazil). Eventual updates in this regard in the entity's records, particularly in the updating of active applications, follow the ANM's own protocol. In this sense, Vale states that there are no 75 active applications without the corresponding communication of relinquishment of the company for exploration permits and mining concessions in polygons interfering with indigenous lands.

The company also clarifies that it maintains requests and titles for exploration permits and mining concessions in areas neighboring indigenous lands, without any intersection with demarcated areas in the country, in strict compliance with the legislation in force in Brazil, maintaining a respectful relationship with the indigenous peoples.

Vale restates that the allegations regarding the contamination of Cateté River are unfounded, based on expert reports issued by legal experts from different scientific areas, which attest that there is no causality between the Onça Puma mining operation and the alleged contamination. 

Vale's ambition is to be a partner in the development of resilient communities, engaged in relevant issues for humanity and committed to sustainable mining. For this purpose, the company has established three social commitments as part of its 2030 Agenda, which include contribute to all indigenous communities neighboring our operations in the preparation and execution of their plans to pursue the rights foreseen in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Finally, Vale also reinforces that it is available to clarify all points with Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil (Apib) and Amazon Watch.

​Based on a proactive and precautionary approach by its tailings and dams management system, Vale informs that it has temporarily upgraded to level 2 the emergency protocol of the Área IX dam, located at the Fábrica mine, in the municipality of Ouro Preto, MG. This measure became necessary after piezometric changes in the structure’s right abutment, associated with the heavy rains that hit the region, a situation that demands studies and corrective actions, already initiated by the company.

The Area IX dam is inactive and is included in Vale's Upstream Dam Decharacterization Program. Its current volume is about 640 thousand cubic meters. The structure had been under a level 1 emergency protocol since June 2020, which was started on a preventive basis, with studies to detail its characteristics and safety conditions. Vale informs that there is no permanent presence of people and no additional evacuation is necessary. The measure started today has no impact on the company’s production.


The structure’s current condition was reported to the authorities and to the audit of the Public Prosecutors’ Office of the State of Minas Gerais and continue to be monitored by Vale's specialized teams and by the respective Engineer of Record. Vale maintains the continuous management and monitoring of its dams and geotechnical structures.
 

​Vale informs that it has initiated the level 1 emergency protocol of the Elefante dike, located at the Água Limpa mine, in the municipality of Rio Piracicaba, MG. This measure became necessary after erosion on the structure’s right abutment, associated with the heavy rains that hit the region, a situation that demands corrective actions, already initiated by the company. The Elefante dike serves to contain sediments and is being decharacterized. Its construction was carried out using the single-step method and its current sediment volume is around 200 thousand cubic meters.


Vale emphasizes that the Elefante dike’s overall stability was not compromised and that there is no permanent presence of people in the corresponding Self-Rescue Zone. There are also no impacts on the company's production. The anomaly was reported to the authorities and to the audit of the Public Prosecutors’ Office of the State of Minas Gerais and continue to be monitored by Vale's specialized teams and by the respective Engineer of Record. Vale maintains the continuous management and monitoring of its dams and geotechnical structures.
 

Vale informs Forquilha IV Dam, from Mina Fábrica, in Ouro Preto (MG), has it emergency level 1 finished, on this Tuesday (30). In Barão de Cocais, the Norte Laranjeiras dam has it emergency level reduced from 2 to 1. The changes attest the safety increase and the structures stability and reinforce Vale’s commitment to the safety of the people that live close to the sites.

Forquilha IV dam underwent several improvements this year, such as adaptation of accesses, erosion correction and vegetation pruning. The actions were done using unmanned equipment, as the access to the dam is restricted, according to Labor Public Ministry (MPT) requirement. The structure has positive DCE.

Norte Laranjeiras dam also received a serie of actions and investigations in the last months and, based on the positioning of the Engineer of Record (EoR), company designers and technical staff, was concluded that the anomalia (crack) that preventively resulted in the increase to level 2 of the structure, in November 2020, does not affect the overall stability of the structure. Monitoring, safety controls and constant inspections at the dam reinforce this understanding.

The removal of the emergency level of the Forquilha IV dam and the reduction of the emergency level of Norte Laranjeiras were duly informed to competent authorities, according to guidelines established in the Emergency Action Plan for Mining Dams (PAEBM) and in Brazilian legislation, including the Brazilian National Mining Agency (ANM) and the technical audit of the Minas Gerais Public Prosecutor's Office (MPMG).

Forquilhas IV and Norte Laranjeiras dams, as all the other structures of the company, are monitored permanently by the Geotechnical Monitoring Center (CMG) and receive regular inspections from internal and external staff. Vale continues committed to meeting the best international engineering practices, always focusing on the security of the workers and the community close to the structures.

​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.

 

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.
 

​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.
 

Due to the updating of information regarding the Norte / Laranjeiras dam, of the Brucutu mine, in the municipality of Barão de Cocais, MG, the Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS) related to the structure was expanded on February 9, 2021. Under the coordination of the Civil Defense and in collaboration with other competent authorities and Vale, in the next few days, the scheduled removal of residents in the area corresponding to the expansion of the ZAS will begin, respecting the health and safety protocols recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company will provide shelter and all necessary assistance to the families until the situation is normalized. The company reinforces that the ZAS originally identified for the structure already had a previous removal process completed.



The company also informs that there are no changes in the safety conditions of the structure. The updating of information regarding the scenarios of dam failure is in line with the conservative approach to risk management and in compliance with the provisions of the Term of Commitment signed between the State of Minas Gerais, the Public Prosecutors' Office of Minas Gerais and Vale, which defined new parameters for updating flood spots. The Norte/Laranjeiras dam has no longer received tailings and has ongoing works for safety and stability conditions improvement. The company reiterates that its priority is the safety of people and communities downstream of its operations, as well as the safety of all its structures.