The 5-Mutuca dam, located in Nova Lima (MG), and the Dique de Pedra dam, located in Ouro Preto (MG), have been removed from the emergency level by the National Mining Agency (ANM). Both structures received a positive Declaration of Stability (DCE), certifying their safety. 

With these two structures, 15 of the company's dams have left the emergency level since 2022. Of the 16 that remain at some level of emergency, none are being operated to receive more tailings. In addition, all upstream dams are in the process of de-characterization. The structures are continuously monitored and are subject to ongoing safety improvement activities. 

5-Mutuca - The 5-Mutuca dam has a reservoir of approximately 523,000 m² and was built using the downstream raising method. It is active and receives sediments from nearby structures, but no longer receives tailings. The structure underwent geotechnical investigations and laboratory tests that confirmed the safety and stability conditions of the dam, allowing the emergency level to be lifted and a positive declaration of stability (DCE) to be issued. 

Dique de Pedra - The Dique de Pedra dam has a reservoir area of approximately 65,000 m² and was constructed using the single-stage method. It is inactive and does not receive tailings. The structure has undergone adjustments and re-evaluations by the Engineer of Record (EoR), which confirmed the favourable safety condition of the dam, resulting in the issuance of a positive Declaration of Stability (DCE) and the lifting of the emergency level. 

Dam management and safety 

Vale has been working hard to improve the management and safety of its dams, contributing to a more sustainable mining cycle in Brazil that is safer for people, the environment and its employees. 

Since 2019, the company has invested more than R$9 billion in the Upstream Dam De-Characterization Program. Of the 30 structures covered by the programme, 15 have already been eliminated, and the goal is to have no dams at the maximum emergency level by 2025. 

In May this year, the B3/B4 dam in Macacos, Nova Lima (MG), was 100% de-characterized, becoming the first Vale dam to be eliminated after reaching Emergency Level 3. The company invested more than R$ 80 million in the development of technologies to ensure that the de-characterization of the B3/B4 dam was carried out with maximum safety for people and the environment. 

In August, the Sul Superior dam, located at the Gongo Soco mine in Barão de Cocais (MG), had its level reduced from 3 to 2 in the Integrated Mining Dam Management System (SIGBM) of the National Mining Agency (ANM). 

In addition, Vale has adopted the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), which aims to ensure zero harm to people and the environment throughout the life cycle of dams. Launched in 2020 as an initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), it was the first global standard in the mining sector and a global milestone for dam safety. 

Vale's main dams are monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by the company's Geotechnical Monitoring Centres (CMGs), in addition to regular inspections by internal and external teams that act promptly when preventive or corrective actions are needed. 

For more information on Vale's dam safety and management, please visit Dams.