Industrial Waste Management Initiatives
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Supporting recycling cooperatives
Vale’s Waste Management Plan incorporates guidelines on recovering value from waste and supplying recyclable waste materials to cooperatives near our operating sites. In Brazil’s southeastern state of Minas Gerais, we have launched a project to help recycling cooperatives and waste picker associations build resilience and expand their capacity to handle waste materials (paper, cardboard and plastics) from our mine sites, generating positive social, environmental and economic impacts.
In 2022, we delivered approximately 260 metric tons of recyclable waste to cooperatives in the state, while focusing our cooperative interventions on two fronts: processes and people management. Vale engaged a specialized consultancy, conducted targeted workshops, created joint routines, carried out on-site inspections, reviewed cooperative processes and operational arrangements, and provided leadership training to enhance productivity. The program methodology drew inspiration from Kaizen, design thinking, and lean innovation to increase engagement and achieve consistent performance. A total of 155 waste pickers in nine municipalities participated in this program.
In addition to strengthening bonds among cooperative members and encouraging leadership teams to explore new projects and activities, this initiative resulted in increased earnings and productivity for the cooperatives and associations. There was a 25% growth in material sales and a 72% increase in average monthly revenue. The program also improved productivity by 40%, as well as ergonomics and quality of life for cooperative members.
Participating Associations
Association | Municipalities |
---|---|
Ascap
|
Nova Lima
|
Ascito
|
Itabirito
|
Ascacon
|
Congonhas
|
Atlimarjom
|
João Monlevade
|
Ascaripi
|
Rio Piracicaba
|
Asmarcol
|
Conselheiro Lafaiete
|
Aserbac
|
Barão de Cocais
|
Camar
|
Mariana
|
Itaurb
|
Itabira
|
Photographer: Ricardo Teles
Disposal of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
Vale has implemented measures to ensure environmentally compliant disposal of waste containing polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, across our operations. These organic compounds, used in equipment such as electrical transformers, are environmental pollutants that can have adverse effects on both human health and ecosystems.
We have established a phased approach to the disposal of PCBs, aligning maintenance cycles for electrical equipment with efforts to meet our PCB disposal targets ahead of schedule. In line with the Stockholm Convention, our goal is to discontinue the use of PCBs by 2025, and to ensure they are compliantly disposed of by 2028. As of year-end 2022, Vale had allocated more than 212 metric tons of waste containing PCBs and regenerated over 40,430 liters of transformer oil.
Regenerating used oil
Recycling off-road tires
Vale sends scrap off-road tires from our operations in Pará and Minas Gerais to recycling companies. Recycling these tires can be challenging due to their bulky size—some can exceed four meters in diameter—and their tough steel cord reinforcement, making handling and cutting difficult. Approximately 9,000 metric tons of tires are recycled annually.
Scrap metal from the tires is repurposed in making rebars used in the construction industry. The rubber is recycled into lining sheets or rubber chips for applications in the automotive and cement industries.