Vale’s Waste Management Plan incorporates guidelines on recovering value from waste and supplying recyclable waste materials to cooperatives near our operating sites. In Brazil’s southeastern state of Minas Gerais, we have launched a project to help recycling cooperatives and waste picker associations build resilience and expand their capacity to handle waste materials (paper, cardboard and plastics) from our mine sites, generating positive social, environmental and economic impacts. 

In 2022, we delivered approximately 260 metric tons of recyclable waste to cooperatives in the state, while focusing our cooperative interventions on two fronts: processes and people management. Vale engaged a specialized consultancy, conducted targeted workshops, created joint routines, carried out on-site inspections, reviewed cooperative processes and operational arrangements, and provided leadership training to enhance productivity. The program methodology drew inspiration from Kaizen, design thinking, and lean innovation to increase engagement and achieve consistent performance.  A total of 155 waste pickers in nine municipalities participated in this program. 

In addition to strengthening bonds among cooperative members and encouraging leadership teams to explore new projects and activities, this initiative resulted in increased earnings and productivity for the cooperatives and associations. There was a 25% growth in material sales and a 72% increase in average monthly revenue. The program also improved productivity by 40%, as well as ergonomics and quality of life for cooperative members.