The decharacterization works at the Xingu Dam, located at the Alegria Mine in Mariana (MG), are now underway. This is one of 13 structures that are still to be decharacterised under the programme. To date, 17 structures have been finished, accounting for 57% of the entire planned program. 

In this initial phase, activities will include surface drainage, the installation of additional monitoring instruments and environmental protection works to support the decharacterisation process, among others. A total of 180 direct jobs will be created, with priority given to hiring local labour. 

The Xingu Dam, located in the city of Mariana, will undergo decharacterization process.
Credit: Vale Disclosure

The decharacterization works at Xingu are expected to be completed by 2034. This is the third upstream structure in the Mariana Complex to begin work, alongside Campo Grande and Doutor. 

'We are starting another important project and continuing to make steady progress in our program. It is a key step for community safety and an opportunity to have a positive social impact through job creation in the region,” says Vale’s Decharacterization Director, Adriana Bandeira. 

Safety 

The works will be carried out with a strong focus on the safety of both people and the environment, and all necessary environmental control measures will be adopted to minimise any potential impacts. 

The structure is monitored 24/7 through on-site instrumentation and the Geotechnical Monitoring Centre (CMG). Additionally, it undergoes regular inspections by both internal and external teams. 

Decharacterization Program 

Since 2019, Vale has invested over R$10 billion in its Dam Decharacterization Program. All of the company's upstream dams in Brazil are inactive and are continuously monitored. 

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