Advancing a circular economy 

The circular economy is set to replace the linear model of extract, produce and dispose, which is reaching its tipping point. More than just recycling materials at the end of their useful life, the circular economy is about reimagining the way products are designed, manufactured, and marketed so they generate less waste throughout their lifecycle, are more durable and can be repurposed. Advancing a circular economy will be key to solving issues such as global warming, material shortages and waste management.
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Waste to Value Program

Vale is taking a multipronged approach to minimizing waste in our iron ore operations. This approach, as articulated in our Waste to Value program, is aligned with our corporate strategy for sustainable mining and positioning as a premium iron supplier. Our aim is to progressively realize this vision over the next decade by maximizing value from natural resources—such as through repurposing materials from tailings piles and dams—while concurrently reducing waste rock and tailings generation in mining and processing operations. In doing so, we are delivering on our commitment to sustainability through practical solutions that contribute to the development of the regions where we operate. 
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Tailings case studies 

Gelado Project 

Brick factory 

In November 2020 we started operation of our Pico concrete block manufacturing facility, our first pilot plant producing building and construction products from mine tailings. Located at our Pico mine in Itabirito (MG), the facility will incorporate circular economy practices in our iron ore processing operations at this site.  

Following initial testing, the plant is expected to repurpose annually 30,000 metric tons of tailings that would otherwise be stored in piles and dams to produce 3.8 million pre-molded concrete products for the building and construction industry, including interlocking pavers and structural and architectural concrete blocks. 

       Arquivo Vale

Vale has conducted research on potential applications for mine tailings since 2014. Over the two first years of operation, Vale will invest approximately R$ 25 million in research and development (R&D) in collaboration with the Minas Gerais Federal Center for Technological Education (CEFET-MG). Ten researchers from the center are involved in the research program, including professors, lab technicians and graduate, undergraduate and associate degree students. 

Following the initial R&D stage at the Pico mine, Vale plans build similar concrete block facilities at other operations in Minas Gerais. We have also partnered with more than 30 organizations—including universities, research centers and local and overseas companies—to develop solutions for repurposing mine waste in a wide range of industries.

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