Dique B, located at the Mina Horizontes in Nova Lima (MG), has had its emergency level removed by the National Mining Agency (ANM). The structure received a positive Declaration of Stability Condition (DCE), certifying its safety.


Dique B. Credit: Vale's Archive

Improvements in stability conditions were achieved through drainage diversion work around the reservoir and additional geotechnical investigations, which allowed the reinterpretation of resistance parameters used in stability analyses.

The ANM carried out the emergency-level removal of Dique B on December 30, and Vale duly reported it to the relevant regulatory and supervisory authorities.

Dam management and safety

Since 2022, 17 of Vale's dams have had their emergency levels removed. Of the 14 that still have an emergency level, all are inactive. In December 2024, in addition to Dique B, the Campo Grande dam, located in the Mina Alegria in Mariana (MG), also had its emergency level removed by the ANM.

These advances result from Vale's efforts to improve the management and safety of its dams, contributing to a more sustainable and safer mining cycle for people and the environment in Brazil.

In addition to reducing dam emergency levels, the Company is progressing in its Upstream Structure Decharacterization Program. In December 2024, the decharacterization of the Área IX dam in Ouro Preto (MG) was completed. Complementary work will be carried out at the site, including terrain reconfiguration, implementation of drainage systems, and revegetation for validation by the relevant authorities. Vale has already de-characterized 17 upstream structures, representing 57% of the 30 structures planned in the Company's program.

Vale is also committed to the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), which aims to ensure zero harm to people and the environment throughout the life cycle of tailings dams. Launched in 2020 by 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.

All of Vale's water, tailings, or sediment dams are routinely monitored and receive appropriate regulatory oversight. Preventive and corrective actions are taken as necessary, strictly following the monitoring plan established by the National Mining Agency (ANM).

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

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