Vale has completed the elimination of Grupo Dam, located at the Fábrica Mine in Ouro Preto (MG). Therefore, the company has now eliminated 18 upstream structures, marking 60% progress in its Dam Decharacterization Program.

Approximately 2.5 million m³ of tailings were removed from the reservoir, including the dam raises and the main embankment. The area will undergo complementary activities such as terrain reshaping, drainage system implementation, and environmental recovery.
“The decharacterization of Grupo Dam represents another important step in our commitment to the safety of people, communities, and the environment. Reaching 60% completion of the program reinforces the seriousness in which we approach this issue,” says Adriana Bandeira, Vale’s Director of Dam Decharacterization.
 

Grupo is the third upstream facility eliminated in the Fábrica Complex. The Forquilha I, II, and III dams are in the preparatory phase, with works expected to begin in 2026.
In August, the emergency level of the Forquilha III dam was reduced from Level III to Level II. As a result, Vale no longer has any structures at the highest emergency level. The Grupo Dam had its emergency level lifted in May of this year.

The decharacterization works at the Fábrica Mine dams employed innovative technology, such as remotely operated equipment and safe access systems, to ensure the safety of teams working in risk areas.

Commitment to Safety
The elimination of upstream structures is both a commitment by Vale and a legal requirement. Since 2019, the company has invested over R$ 12 billion in the Decharacterization Program. Out of the 30 planned projects, 15 have been completed in Minas Gerais and three in Pará.

All of Vale’s upstream structures in Brazil are inactive and are monitored 24/7 by Geotechnical Monitoring Centers (CMGs).