This month, Vale completed the de-characterization of another structure built using the upstream method, Dike 2 of the Pontal System, located at the Cauê Mine in Itabira (MG). This is the 13th structure of this type to be eliminated by Vale in Brazil since 2019, and the sixth to be de-characterized in the municipality. With this, the company has completed more than 40% of the 30 structures to be eliminated in the de-characterization program, as they were built using the same method as the Brumadinho dam. 

Dike 2 has not received any tailings since 2019, and the de-characterization work generated approximately 200 jobs, both direct and outsourced, with priority given to hiring local workers.  

Dike 2 was the sixth upstream structure to be removed in Itabira, out of a total of ten dams included in the de-characterization program. In September 2022, the Ipoema dam at Mina do Meio and Dike 3, also in the Pontal system, had already been removed. Previously, dams 4 and 5 of the Pontal system and the Rio do Peixe dam were de-characterized. 

Furthermore, to increase safety and reduce the impact in case of an emergency, a downstream containment structure (ECJ) was built as a precautionary measure for the works to eliminate the Minervino and Cordão Nova Vista dams at the Pontal dam. The Coqueirinho ECJ, as it is called, like the others built by Vale, complies with the regulations of the National Mining Agency (ANM) regarding the adoption of measures to increase safety during the de-characterization phase. 

The B3/B4 dam, located at the Mar Azul mine in Nova Lima (MG), had its emergency level reduced from 2 to 1 by the National Mining Agency this Monday night (9/10). The progress of the de-characterization process, with the removal of approximately 85% of the reservoir's contents, led to an improvement in the dam's stability conditions and made it possible to reduce the emergency level, as required by current legislation.

Despite the improvement in the dam's stability conditions, in a joint decision with the Municipal and State Civil Defense, and in compliance with the regulations of the National Mining Agency (ANM), the structure's self-rescue zone (ZAS), now at Emergency Level 1, must remain evacuated as a preventive and safety measure. As such, there will be no return of families or release of access at this time.

The B3/B4 dam is one of 18 upstream dams still to be eliminated by Vale and is part of the company's de-characterization program. As of 2019, 12 of the 30 planned structures have already been eliminated (nine in Minas Gerais and three in Pará), representing 40% of the total. The Company expects to complete the elimination of the 13th structure this month.

Click here to read the full press release (available only in Portuguese).

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.
 

Vale’s Integrated Report about its performance in 2022 is now available. The publication provides an objective analysis of the company’s strategy, achievement of commitments, results, highlights and challenges between January 1 and December 31, 2022, focusing on the ESG agenda. 

The document is presented in line with an integrated reporting structure and addresses material issues to provide a balanced view of the company’s ability to generate value in the short, medium and long term. The publication follows the guidelines of the International Integrated Reporting Framework, which is now consolidated under the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), in addition to the GRI Standards, reflecting our commitment to transparency. 

Check out the 2022 Integrated Report and ESG Data Book on our Sustainability Reports page: https://www.vale.com/web/esg/sustainability-reports. 

On the page, you can also see previous editions of the report to check our progress and find out details about the topics that make up Vale’s “materiality matrix,” which is produced every year after assessing and prioritizing the impacts, risks and opportunities associated with our business model. 

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.

As approved at Vale's last board meeting held on 12/22/2022, we disclosed the updated Vale Group Business and Entity Management Policy. On the same date, we approved the new Authority Policy, and it became a Policy of public use. This change reflects the creation of the Drafting and Publication of Policies. And it brings an unfolding of the latest changes of the Bylaws, establishing the limits of jurisdiction that are the responsibility of the Board of Directors and by exclusion those who are delegated to the Executive Committee.

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

The rupture of the tailings dam at Córrego do Feijão in Brumadinho, Minas Gerais State, led Vale to review its governance, health and safety management, operational excellence management, including taillings, operational and business risk assessment, remediation processes as well as its Human Rights governance and management, among others.

Vale is determined to fully repair and compensate for the Human Rights impacts and damage caused by the Brumadinho tragedy. By the end of 2Q21, Vale has been intensely engaging with affected people, communities, and other stakeholders and has allocated over US$ 3.5 billion to pay for compensation to impacted people, infrastructure works and environmental and socioeconomic reparation actions. In February 2021, Vale entered into a BRL 37.7 billion Global Agreement, which includes reparation and compensatory projects, with the State of Minas Gerais, the Public Defender’s Office of the State of Minas Gerais and the Federal and State of Minas Gerais Public Ministries. This Agreement brings greater transparency, legitimacy and legal certainty to those involved. Vale will remain committed to individual indemnity agreements, which already reached 10,500 people by 2Q21.

1. Improvements in Governance towards Safety and Operational Excellence

In the aftermath of the Brumadinho dam rupture, Vale’s leadership carried out a series of measures to further strengthen the risk management governance. In 2020, the company’s governance was further refined to ensure a conservative approach on risk management:

• New Risk Management Policy has been defined and approved by the Board, establishing, among other measures, five Executive Risk Committees.
• Installation of the Statutory Audit Committee, in compliance with the recommendations of regulatory bodies. Creation of the Compliance Office overseeing corporate integrity and ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• The Compliance and Risk Committee evolved into the Operational Excellence and Risk Committee, strengthening its competence to assess corporate risk management, absorbing the duties associated with monitoring operational risks, especially geotechnical ones. The attributions related to compliance were transferred to the Statutory Audit Committee.

2. Improved Risk Management framework

Vale has improved its integrated Risk Management Governance flow which represents how periodic reviews are performed to ensure alignment between strategic decisions, performance, definition and monitoring of risk tolerance limits approved by the Company's Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Executive Board.

3. Upstream Dam Decharacterization Program

One of the main initiatives to reduce the company's risk level is the decharacterization¹ of all of our 30 upstream² geotechnical structures in Brazil, including dams, dikes and drained piles - Vale’s Upstream Dam Decharacterization Program. Out of those 30, Vale completed the decharacterization of 6 upstream structures and by the end of 2021, the decharacterization of a dyke and the reinforcement of another dyke are planned.

The decharacterization process is important for the long-term risk reduction of the upstream tailings facilities. Works have been conducted with a precautionary approach, and the program’s completion is expected to occur in 2029. In that sense, downstream zones of the critical dams have been evacuated and three downstream containment structures (ECJ) to contain the tailings in a hypothetical scenario of dam rupture have been built. Further information on our Upstream Dam Decharacterization Program is available here.

¹ ‘‘Decharacterization’’ means functionally reintegrating the structure and its contents into the environment, so that the structure no longer serves its primary purpose of acting as a tailings containment.

² The upstream raising method is the same method of construction as the Brumadinho dam.

4. Tailings Dam Safety Management

Vale is focused on the evolution of its Tailings & Dams Management System ("TDMS") and has been closely monitoring its active and inactive dams. Vale’s Board of Directors approved, in October 2020, a new Policy for Dam Safety and Geotechnical Mining Structure. Among other guidelines, the policy enforces that all components of Vale’s TDMS are designed with continuous improvement elements, using and applying the best available technology and international best practices, including the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management ("GISTM") – an effort to improve safety through all phases of the tailings storage facilities lifecycle. All tailings facilities with “Extreme” or “Very high” potential consequences must be in conformance with the GISTM by August 2023. In addition, all other tailings facilities operated by Vale not in a state of safe closure will be in conformance with the GISTM by August 2025.

An important precautionary measure is the reduction of reliance on tailings dams in our productive processes. We have been developing alternatives to tailings dams and, with the continuous investments in dry staking tailings disposal.

5. Cultural Transformation

In order to turn Vale into one of the safest and most reliable mining companies in the world and to promote the full reparation of Brumadinho, Vale is committed to transforming its culture.

The main behaviors for the organization were defined, based on the Company’s core values: (i) obsession with safety and risk management; (ii) open and transparent dialogue; (iii) empowerment with accountability; (iv) responsibility for the whole; (v) active listening and engagement with society. All this having People in the center.

In a process of voluntary and creative co-construction, 40 leaders rescued our history and essence to create Vale’s purpose: “We exist to improve life and transform the future. Together”. The purpose drives actions and intentions and is supported by four pillars: (i) serving society, sharing value for all; (ii) doing together; (iii) using Vale’s mobilizing capacity to do something extraordinary; and (iv) transforming the future, taking care of the present.

Vale and the UN Global Compact

As described above, we are adopting and developing best practices to improve our business, with great care, while transforming our culture and initiating and accelerating critical ESG initiatives. And part of this agenda is Vale’s commitment to the UN Global Compact. The 10 Principles are a key guidance and compliance mechanism for the company and Vale remains committed to them, despite having left the initiative following the rupture of Dam I at the Córrego do Feijão mine, in Brumadinho. The company has been working diligently and is fully committed with the continuous implementation of all Global Compact principles.

​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.

 

​Vale  informs that, in a meeting held on January 28, 2021, its Board of Directors called an Extraordinary General Meeting, to be held on March 1, 2021, in order to make changes to the Company's Bylaws. Additional documents and information are available at www.vale.com/investors. 

 

​Vale has been in the Amazon for more than 30 years helping to protect approximately 800 thousand hectares of rainforest in partnership with Brazil’s ICMBio. 
 

Vale informs that, in line with the continuous monitoring of the safety conditions of its geotechnical structures, and as a result of regular inspections and frequent interpretations of data related to the structures, performed through the function of the Engineer of Record (“EoR”), it started today, on a preventive basis, the Level 1 emergency protocol of the Paracatu and Patrimônio dikes, a protocol that does not require the evacuation of the population downstream of the structures.
 

​Vale informs that today it started, on a preventive basis, the Level 1 emergency protocol for Barragem 5, at Mina da Mutuca, Nova Lima (Minas Gerais), a protocol that does not require the evacuation of the population downstream of the dam. This tailings dam was built with compacted soil, with a downstream construction method and no longer receives mining tailings.This protocol is a preventive measure.

 

Vale updated the information on Goals and Deadlines in line with its commitment to be carbon neutral by 2050.


 

​Vale informs that today it started, on a preventive basis, the Level 1 emergency protocol for dams 6 and 7A, at the Águas Claras Mine, Nova Lima (Minas Gerais) and the Area IX dam, at the Fábrica Mine, Ouro Preto (Minas Gerais), all of them inactive, protocol that does not require the evacuation of the population downstream of the dam.
 

Vale, following the Notice to Shareholders published on 03/30/2020 and 04/15/2020 (“Notices to Shareholders”), informs that, due to the coronavirus pandemic (Covid-19) and pursuant to CVM Instruction No. 622/2020, the Company's Ordinary and Extraordinary Meetings of Shareholders (“AGM/E”) will be held, cumulatively, on 04/30/2020, at 10 am, exclusively by digital means. The Company also informs on the flexibility of the date for sending the distant voting ballot (“BVD”) directly to Vale.

​Vale is updating its Sustainability Policy aiming to contemplate our new commitments to society and our new strategy to achieve our mission: to transform natural resources into prosperity and sustainable development. 

You can contribute by reading the current version of Vale's Sustainability Policy and answering the following questions. The process takes approximately 10 minutes.

​Since the end of January, Vale has been taking all possible efforts to prevent COVID-19. The company's actions resulting from the pandemic are being managed by a structure of regional and executive committees, created especially to ensure the safety of all. Globally, the company complies with the health and safety protocols established by the authorities and agencies of each country and the actions determined by the internal pandemic preparedness and response plan and closely monitors the development of the situation. Some of our actions:

• Take care of our employees, our operations and our business:
  • Home Office for administrative activities as a preventive measure in various locations around the world;
  • Installation, in the coming weeks, of 81 thermal cameras at the gateways of its units in four Brazilian states (Minas Gerais, Pará, Espírito Santo and Maranhão) in order to identify people with high body temperature, one of the symptoms of the new coronavirus;
  • Increased bus fleet;
  • Extra credit on the food allowance for Vale employees in Brazil;
  • Stoppage for maintenance of the Voisey´s Bay mine for a period of four weeks, as a precaution to help protect the health and well-being of the Nunatsiavut and Innu indigenous communities in Labrador;
  • Redirection and redistribution of ships heading to Teluk Rubiah Maritime Terminal, in Malaysia, to our blending facilities in China;

  • Disbursement of US$ 5 billion from its revolving credit lines due in June 2022 (US$ 2 billion) and December 2024 (US$ 3 billion).

• Temporary aid to suppliers:
  • Anticipation of payments to small and medium-sized companies;

  • About R$ 160 million should be injected into the Brazilian economy in the coming days. 

• Humanitarian aid and care for communities:
  • Donation of 5 million rapid test kits for the new coronavirus (COVID-19) to assist the Brazilian Government in combating the spread of the disease in the country;
  • Passenger Trains on the Carajás Railway (EFC) and Vitória to Minas Railway (EFVM) have been halted temporarily .

​Vale disclosure a timeline with actions and deadlines to adress the recommendations presented in the final Report of the Independent Committee for Extraordinary Assessment (CIAE-A)

Vale has released the documents for the Annual and Extraordinary Meetings of Shareholders, to be held on April 30, 2020.​

Vale continue to monitor and report to authorities about the Gongo Soco mine. The construction of the tailings containment structure located in the proximity of the Sul Superior dam was completed.​

​Vale states on the new Bill 191/2020 which is being processed in the National Congress and aims to regulate economic activities, such as Mining, in Indigenous Lands.

​Vale is committed with all efforts and resources to mitigate the possible impacts related to the incident with the MV Stellar Banner vessel, owned and operated by the South Korean.

​The summary of the report prepared by the Extraordinary Independent Consulting Committee for Investigation for Investigation was released with recommendations of a technical and governance nature.

​The Expert Panel assessment of the technical causes of the failure of Dam I at the Córrego do Feijão Mine in Brumadinho is available.