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2024-12-20

Dam elimination, Dams

Vale concludes the de-characterization works of the 17th upstream structure

Vale has completed the de-characterization works of the Área IX dam, located at the Mina Fábrica in Ouro Preto (MG), ensuring greater safety for the community and the environment. With the removal of this structure, 57% of the Upstream Dam De-Characterization Program has been completed. 17 dams have been removed out of a total of 30 planned.


Área IX dam. Photo: Vale Archive

As part of its de-characterization, the upstream raising of the Área IX dam was removed, eliminating the risks associated with this type of construction. Now, the area is undergoing work to reconfigure the terrain, implement drainage systems and revegetate.

Independent audits, the relevant regulatory bodies, the designer, the Engineer of Record (EoR), and the Technical Work Supervisor (ATO) will monitor all stages of the de-characterization. Upon completion of the reconfiguration phases, implementation of the drainage system, and revegetation, the structure will undergo a final evaluation and validation process by the relevant authorities, as required by current legislation.

"This is an important milestone as it is the second upstream dam to be de-characterized at Mina Fábrica in 2 years. In addition, at the same mine, we removed the Dique de Pedra dam from the emergency level and reduced the emergency level of the Grupo dam in 2024. This shows our commitment to improving dam safety," said Daniel Raposo, Vale's General Manager of Geotechnics and Hydrogeology.

Four other dams at the site are in the de-characterization process: the Grupo dam, which is under ongoing work, and Forquilha I, Forquilha II, and Forquilha III, which are in the project phase.

Commitment to Safety

Removing upstream structures and complying with legislation is part of Vale's commitment made after the collapse of the B1 dam in Brumadinho. Since 2019, the company has invested over R$10 billion in the Upstream Dam De-characterization Program.

De-characterization solutions are customized for each structure and are being implemented with caution. The company always prioritizes people's safety, risk reduction, and environmental care. All of Vale's upstream structures in Brazil are inactive and are monitored 24 hours a day by the company's Geotechnical Monitoring Centers (CMGs).

For more information, visit the De-characterization Program page.

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