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Our Management Approach  

The waste generated in Vale’s production process is classified into two categories: mining - metallurgical waste and industrial waste. Each category has specific regulations, as well as different management and disposal methods.

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Waste categories: 

  • Mining - metallurgical: this category includes waste rock excavated during mining operations; mine tailings; and slag generated in the metallurgical processing of nickel, copper, cobalt, iron ore, and manganese. Mining-metallurgical waste accounts for the bulk of the waste we produce, with 483.9 million metric tons generated in 2023.
  • Industrial Waste: includes materials such as scrap rubber, plastics, wood and metals, used oils, contaminated materials, food leftovers, among others. The annual volume produced is significantly lower, totaling 729,100 metric tons in 2023. 
This division is crucial due to the scale of generation, especially because of the different management and disposal methods for mining - metallurgical waste, which are directly linked to mineral reserves and the technologies adopted in mining, ore beneficiation, and metallurgy processes. Waste management and utilization are significant challenges in the mining sector. 

Mining - Metallurgical Waste  

In 2020, we published our Mining and Metallurgical Waste Management Policy, establishing guidelines on enhanced waste management and committing investments for our transition to an innovative circular mining approach that can unlock new value chains and maximize value from waste.  

This policy is revised at least every three years or as otherwise needed and is structured around three areas of action: implementing best optimization and processing practices at each mining stage; investing in R&D and technology, including new value chains for tailings and slag; and implementing dry processing where permitted by geological conditions.  

Our dry processing model utilizes the natural moisture contained in the ore. We perform monthly reviews of data on mining - metallurgical waste production, disposal and value recovery, with reports generated for both internal and external stakeholders. 

Where no value recovery option is available, tailings are disposed of in dams in accordance with Vale’s Dam Safety and Geotechnical Mining Structures Policy. See here for further information on dam management and dam safety. 

Vale continues to invest in solutions to reduce our dependence on new dams and additional dam raises. In 2023, 69% of the ore produced by Vale was natural moisture. In addition, of the remaining 31% of tailings generated, around half (15.5%) were filtered and disposed of in dry piles or pits. Finally, only 15.5 % of Vale’s iron ore production  required tailings to be deposited in dams. In short, Vale has advanced with technology and safety in recent years, so that 84.5% of Vale’s iron ore production did not depend on dams for tailings disposal.    

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Volume of mining and metallurgical waste (million t) 

  • Iron ore - waste rock
  • Iron ore - tailings
  • Other businessess*
  • Total
*Includes waste rock and tailings from nickel, manganese, coal and copper mining, and slag (manganese alloy).

Industrial Waste 

Vale manages its waste through the Vale Waste Management Plan, a global standard that defines the technical guidelines for proper waste management. This plan focuses on minimization, segregation, traceability, valuation, and appropriate disposal, in addition to incentivize job and income generation through recycling practices.

Based on the Vale Waste Management Plan and legal requirements, operational units establish and implement a Waste Management Program tailored to each local reality. This program adopts indicators and goals that promote sustainable waste disposal, primarily including non-generation, composting encouragement, reuse, re-refining, and recycling, valuing its utilization, and avoiding landfill disposal.

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Training and Environmental Education

A fundamental guideline of the Vale Waste Management Plan is the training and environmental education of employees and contractors. In 2023, a training program was developed and made available to everyone, aiming to be a tool for changing attitudes both internally and externally. By 2024, more than 15,000 employees had been trained, focusing on non-generation and proper segregation at the source, and actions that enable other stages of the waste valorization process within the company.

Waste Recipient Audit Program

Since 2005, Vale has maintained the Waste Recipient Audit Program. This program aims to control risks related to waste disposal and, at the same time, develop new suppliers and sustainable disposal technologies. Currently, over 240 companies receive waste from Vale and undergo a rigorous environmental assessment and audit process at least every three years. These audits ensure that recipients comply with environmental standards and the sustainability practices required by Vale, promoting responsible and effective waste management.

The Vale Waste Management Plan reflects Vale's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. By adopting practices that minimize environmental impact and promote a circular economy, the company contributes to a more sustainable and conscious future.

Generation of Industrial Waste (in thousand tons)                                                                             

  • Non-hazardous

  • Hazardous

  • Total

Disposal and Destination of Industrial Waste                                                                    

  • Reprocessing/Recycling/Reuse 

  • Soil disposal* 

  • Others**

*External landfill, internal landfill, disposal in waste rock piles and subsoil.
**Co-processing, incineration and biological treatment. 

Disposal and Destination of Industrial Waste 

Learn more in Industrial waste management initiatives

For detailed disclosures on waste management, see our ESG Databook 

Other relevant information 

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