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Vale actively explores alternatives to avoid or minimize involuntary resettlement. However, when is not possible to avoid, we follow procedures in compliance with the local legislation and aligned with international standards, such as the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standard 5 and the World Bank's ESS 5. 

Vale’s approach to involuntary resettlement aims to prevent social and environmental impacts and help to restore the livelihoods of individuals and families who are temporarily or permanently displaced as a result of the construction, expansion or upgrades of our facilities. Involuntary resettlement may also be necessary where our operations pose risks to the physical integrity and health and safety of communities, such as dam decommissioning projects or when the hazard ratings of certain dams are increased, resulting in the involuntary resettlement, for instance, of communities in Nova Lima, Itabirito, Ouro Preto, and Barão de Cocais (learn more in Evacuated Territories).  

As of the end of 2022, 1,465 families were in the process of involuntary resettlement in Brazil and Indonesia. Of this total, 462 families are already in permanent housing, and another 356 are in temporary housing with all necessary expenses for decent living standards covered by Vale. This group includes 412 families who are receiving assistance in connection with dam decommissioning projects in Minas Gerais. 

Involuntary resettlement guidelines and phases

Key guidelines: 
 
  • Comply with local legislation; 
  • Explore ways to avoid or minimize involuntary resettlement; 
  • Take account of local social and cultural aspects, community organization, and collective practices;  
  • Ensure the participation of affected families in all stages of the process, seeking to mitigate disparities in information access and negotiation capabilities, while ensuring families’ autonomy in making individual decisions; 
  • Provide accessible, predictable, transparent, credible, and equitable channels for receiving and addressing grievances (requests, complaints, and reports) during all stages of involuntary resettlement process;  
  • Offer support to ensure the restoration of livelihoods to a condition equivalent to or better than previous conditions. 
Vale`s Archive
Vale`s Archive

Process phases: ​ 
 

  • Planning 
    Preliminary assessments to determine the potential impacts from involuntary resettlement on communities and analyze alternatives to avoid or minimize involuntary displacements. Timeframes and the resources needed for the complete resettlement process are also determined. 

 

  • Survey 
    Social and economic survey and specific studies to determine territorial and land aspects and the livelihood of affected families and communities.  

 

  • Planning, execution, and monitoring of Resettlement Action Plan (RAP)  
    Agreement with communities and carry out the assistance measures under the RAP to mitigate and/or offset impacts from resettlement and monitoring indicators to verify that livelihoods are restored.