Vale S.A. (“Vale”) informs that the B3/B4 dam, located in Nova Lima (MG), was removed from critical safety condition as the emergency level was lowered from 3 to 2.

The progress of the dam de-characterization, with the removal of more than 50% of the tailings, improved the stability conditions of the structure and made it possible to lower the emergency level. 

The Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS) of the structure on emergency level 2 will remain evacuated and access to the ZAS area will follow legislation and regulatory bodies review. The de-characterization of the dam will continue to be carried out by remotely operated equipment and is expected to be concluded in 2025. Vale expects to lower the emergency level to 1 by the end of 2023.

Eliminating upstream structures in Brazil is one of Vale's key commitments. By 2022, 12 structures were eliminated, representing 40% of Vale's de-characterization program. 

B3/B4 dam reduction level is an important milestone for Vale and is in lline with the expectation of no dams in critical safety condition (level 3 of emergency) by 2025.
 

For more information, access Control and Management of Dams