Vale actively explores alternatives to avoid or minimize involuntary resettlement. However, when resettlement cannot be avoided, the company operates in accordance with the Involuntary Resettlement Standard, which establishes the necessary guidelines to ensure that all processes are aligned with international sustainability standards, such as IFC Performance Standard 5 and the World Bank’s Environmental and Social Standard 5 (ESS5). 

Involuntary resettlement is a process aimed at preventing social and environmental impacts and enabling the restoration of livelihoods for individuals and families who are temporarily or permanently displaced due to company activities. It is carried out in a planned manner, with the participation of affected families in decision-making processes. Emergency resettlements are avoided and should only be implemented when families are exposed to risks that threaten their physical integrity. 

In 2025, a total of 362 families in Brazil were involved in involuntary resettlement processes, all located in the Southeast region. No involuntary resettlement occurred in the Northern region or in another countries. Of this total, 231 families have received temporary assistance, and 67 have been resettled in permanent housing. Another 64 families were identified in processes to assess alternatives to avoid or minimize involuntary resettlement motivated by projects. More information about Vale’s involuntary resettlement processes can be found in the Integrated Report. 

Involuntary Resettlement – Vale Standard

Objective 

To prevent social and environmental impacts and enable the restoration of livelihoods for individuals and families who are temporarily or permanently displaced due to company activities. 
 
Scope of Application 
  • Installation, expansion, and/or adaptation of projects and/or operational structures; 
  • Company activities that pose risks to the physical integrity, health, and safety of communities. 

References 

Human Rights Policy 

Sustainability Policy 

 
Eligibility 

 
All households with ties to urban or rural land, identified through local diagnostics as being in a situation of socioeconomic vulnerability. The involuntary resettlement procedure applies to any person affected by physical and/or economic displacement due to emergency evictions.
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Guidelines 
  • Involuntary resettlement should only be adopted after all alternatives to avoid or minimize loss of access to or use of land have been considered. 
  • Resettlement must comply with local legislation. 
  • Local sociocultural aspects must be respected, including specific measures to restore assets, community organizations, and collective practices. 
  • Ensure the participation of affected families in all stages of the process, addressing asymmetries in access to information and negotiation capacity. 
  • Provide accessible, predictable, transparent, legitimate, and equitable channels for receiving and responding to feedback (complaints, requests, and reports) throughout all stages of the process. 
  • Offer support measures that ensure the restoration of livelihoods to a condition equal to or better than before displacement. 
Stages and Activities 

Stage 1 – Conduct preliminary assessments and evaluate scenarios to support the identification of alternative project locations and/or engineering solutions to avoid or minimize involuntary resettlement. 
If resettlement cannot be avoided: 

Stage 2 – Conduct a livelihood diagnostic for the families to be involved in the resettlement. This should include aspects related to land access, use and occupation, housing conditions, community ties and collective practices, access to employment and income opportunities, and access to essential services such as health, education, and social protection. Other aspects should be considered based on the local context. 

Stage 3 – Develop a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) based on the diagnostic results. The RAP must include the necessary measures to restore the livelihoods of affected families. Simple monetary compensation alone should be avoided. 

Stage 4 – Agree on the RAP measures through a dialogue forum that ensures the representation and participation of families, with special attention to the most vulnerable. In cases of collective resettlement, families must be involved in selecting the host area. 

Stage 5 – Implement the RAP as agreed with the families, ensuring access to land, adequate housing, employment and income opportunities, community ties, and essential services such as health, education, and social protection. Monitor and evaluate the outcomes of the RAP and adopt additional support measures if necessary. 

Implementation of Involuntary Resettlement 

Vale’s management of involuntary resettlement processes takes into account the specific characteristics of each local context, including land tenure, socioeconomic, and sociocultural aspects. However, compliance with the guidelines of the Involuntary Resettlement Vale Standard is a constant across all circumstances. Click the links below to learn more about the key aspects of involuntary resettlement implementation: 

Scenario evaluation for involuntary resettlement begins with the collection of data using satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and secondary data sources. The analysis of this information allows us to identifies potential risks related to restricted access to land and/or natural resources essential to community livelihoods. The study supports the search for alternative project locations that may help avoid or minimize involuntary resettlement.
The local context study aims to identify potential impacts of involuntary resettlement and provides the foundation for actions to restore the livelihoods of affected families. Conducted by specialized consultants, the diagnostic involves the development and integrated analysis of thematic studies to build a systemic understanding of the community. It is based on field data collection, including physical and socioeconomic information, and, depending on the context, specific studies on identity and community relations.
Synergy among resettlement activities is essential for building relationships with affected families and local stakeholders. A dedicated engagement team is responsible for integrating field data and maintaining a centralized flow of information and interactions, which contributes positively to managing community feedback.
Information related to involuntary resettlement is managed through an internal system in compliance with applicable data protection laws and principles. Involuntary resettlement is one of the triggers for community feedback, which is managed through the Listening and Response Mechanism, part of Vale’s Global Feedback Management Model. Field teams are trained to record all feedback to ensure proper handling. Learn more at the Listening and Response Mechanism link. 
The RAP outlines the support measures designed to restore livelihoods, defines the support groups, and sets eligibility criteria. Its objectives include restoring access to land and housing, reestablishing community ties, employment and income opportunities, and access to essential services. The purpose and timeline of displacement determine the type of RAP: 

Emergency RAP: Adopted when there is an imminent health risk requiring urgent measures to protect family livelihoods. 

Temporary RAP: Includes temporary measures to maintain livelihoods until permanent support is available, whether returning to the original property or relocating to a new one. 

Definitive RAP: Includes measures to restore family livelihoods at the permanent residence or economic activity site. 
Vale seeks to avoid emergency resettlements; however, they may be necessary to ensure community safety and are only implemented when risk is confirmed by public authorities. Although prior negotiation is not possible, the Emergency RAP includes individual and collective compensation measures to ensure improved living conditions compared to the pre-resettlement situation. Learn more about Vale’s compensation measures in each territory at the Evacuated Territories link. 
Collective negotiation is encouraged to build consensus and legitimacy for the RAP, ensuring fair and consistent compensation for all families. A dialogue forum is established, and open meetings with stakeholders are held to ensure transparency in the negotiation of support measures. Depending on the local context, the Public Defender’s Office may be invited to provide legal assistance to families, helping to reduce asymmetries in access to information and negotiation capacity.
Once families agree to the RAP, land and adequate housing are provided through temporary or definitive support. Families are offered options for selecting their new residence and/or economic activity location, considering locational advantages that promote livelihood restoration. Social and technical support is provided for the relocation of belongings, animals, machinery, and equipment, as well as for restoring economic activities. Reestablishing access to health, education, and social protection services is also part of the post-relocation support.
Monitoring indicators is the main tool for verifying the outcomes of involuntary resettlement. This is done through periodic data collection and analysis by an external consultancy. The analysis dimensions vary by context and include restoration of access to land, adequate housing, employment and income opportunities, community ties, collective practices, and essential services. Based on the results, additional measures may be implemented to ensure the effectiveness of the RAP.