Vale informs that it updated the records of Stability Condition Declarations (DCEs) for geotechnical structures to which the terms of Norm No. 70.389/2017, by the National Department of Mineral Production, currently the National Mining Agency (ANM), are applicable.

In this sense, Vale emphasizes the continuous improvement of its Tailings & Dams Management System (TMS), with the role of the Engineer of Record (EoR), which has been implemented since January 2020 as an additional step for the assessment of geotechnical structures. The EoR focuses on the continuous management of dam safety and performance, making it possible to issue or revoke a DCE at any time, once a change in the safety condition of some geotechnical structure is verified. This measure is more appropriate to the dynamics of a tailings disposal structure and reflects an evolution in Vale's practices of dam safety assessment. The EoR assessment is part of a multilayer protection system, to which other barriers and levels of audit and review have been incorporated, in order to strengthen even further the management process.

About DCEs issued

Vale informs that, through the EoR continuous monitoring model, 104 structures were evaluated in the company's operational units in Brazil, of which 93 belong to the Ferrous Minerals business and 11 belong to the Base Metals business. The list of structures framed in the abovementioned norm, as well as the information on the respective DCEs and emergency levels, is available on Vale's ESG Portal, at www.vale.com/esg.

A total of 71 positive DCEs were issued, of which 61 for geotechnical structures in Ferrous Minerals operations and 10 for Base Metal structures. Another 33 structures did not have positive DCEs issued, 32 of which belong to Ferrous Minerals operational units and 1 to a Base Metals operation.

•     Structures at emergency levels[1] 2 or 3: 9 tailings and sediment dams remain without positive DCEs, with their respective Self-Rescue Zones (ZAS) evacuated. In addition to those, the Xingu dam had its emergency level raised to 2 from 1 on September 29, 2020. Originally classified as a drained stack, the structure was reclassified as a tailings dam with an upstream raising method in September 2020. All the tailings dams at emergency level 2 or 3 are included in Vale's de-characterization plan, which is available for consultation on Vale's ESG Portal.

•     Structures at emergency level 1: 23 structures without positive DCEs, of which, considering the structures indicated in a press release on April 1st, 2020: (i) 15 maintained the emergency level; (ii) 1 structure (Dam VI) had the respective positive DCE issued, being in process of registering the emergency level lowering; (iii) 1 structure (Xingu) had its emergency level raised to 2; (iv) 5 structures had positive DCEs revoked in the months following the April's press release[2]; (v) 3 structures, assessed for the first time in 2020, did not have positive DCEs issued[3]. Additionally, the Itabiruçu dam, which has a positive DCE, remains at level 1. The level 1 protocol, as provided for in the respective Mining Dams Emergency Action Plans (PAEBM), does not require the evacuation of the ZAS.

Actions to enhance safety

Vale has adopted several measures to improve the safety conditions of its geotechnical structures. For structures in emergency levels 2 or 3, Vale has kept the reservoirs lowered and minimized the water disposal, with the implementation of bypass channels. Back-up dams downstream dams at emergency level 3 are also under construction, with one already completed in March 2020, relating to the Sul Superior dam. The first phase of the back-up dams related to the B3/B4 and Forquilhas I, II and III and Grupo dams was completed, but due to adjustments in the project scope, a second phase is underway, expected to be concluded in the fourth quarter of 2020 (B3/B4) and second quarter of 2021 (Forquilhas I, II and III and Grupo).

For structures at emergency levels 1 and 2, in addition to continuous monitoring and enhancement of information on the conditions of the structures, Vale has projects and works in progress to improve the safety condition or to de-characterize the structures.

Monitoring and update of emergency levels

According to current TMS standards, the emergency level of each structure has also been continuously reviewed by Vale, together with the EoR, hence possible changes may occur as the understanding of the characteristics of each structure evolves and considering new information and parameters generated by the "As-Is" program[4]. Due to this dynamic, starting from today, Vale will update the information on geotechnical structures directly on the Company's ESG Portal[5], available for consultation by society.

Adherence to the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management

In August 2020, the International Council on Metals and Mining (ICMM) published the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), aiming to improve safety standards for tailings storage structures over all stages of their life cycle. In 2019 and 2020, Vale worked with the ICMM on the elaboration of the GISTM, being committed to its full implementation and within the appropriate timeframe.

Vale is working on the implementation of the GISTM together with its new TMS. An initial assessment indicates a good level of adherence between measures under implementation at Vale and the GISTM. Detailed assessments are ongoing, with completion expected by the first quarter of 2021, when a compliance protocol and guidance, both under elaboration by the ICMM, should be available.

Vale reinforces its commitment to safety, transparency and the adoption of best practices in the management of its tailings facilities. Vale reiterates that its priority is the safety of people and communities downstream of its operations, and of all its structures.