Throughout 2024, the Procurement area promoted events and initiatives aimed at learning and strengthening the relationship between Vale and its partners, in addition to fostering engagement in valuable agendas and commitments for the company. Check it out below: 

Chat with suppliers

On September 30, 2024, Vale held the 9th edition of the Chat with Suppliers, an event dedicated to highlighting the company's values, presenting indicators and clarifying doubts about processes related to Supplies. The exchange event, which was attended by 440 supplier representatives, brought Vale even closer to its partners.      

Main points covered  

• Life First: As the company's main value, the importance of people's health and safety was reinforced in all operations. Indicators were presented for awareness and adherence to practices, standards and guidelines.

• Evolution of the Mobilization Process: significant results were achieved with the automation of processes. Vale and its partners have the potential to evolve even further with everyone's engagement.  

• Raising Standards of Integrity and Performance: the importance of technical training for employees and partners before they are mobilized. In addition to improving the efficiency and quality of work, this action contributes to the safety of everyone in operations.  

The importance of improving the stages of hiring employees by our partners was also on the event’s agenda. With this optimized flow, it is possible to identify inconsistencies or irregularities that generate rework in the selection processes and risks in the operations and communities where we operate.  

13th Caravan for decent work  

AVale held the 13th Decent Work Caravan on September 18, 2024. The event aimed to promote knowledge about decent working conditions for managers, contract inspectors and employees of contracted companies, in addition to warning about the risks of human rights violations in the value chain.  The Caravan also highlighted the importance of joint action between companies, public authorities and society to eradicate slave and child labor. 82 people representing 25 companies were present. 

According to Francisco Vicente, Vale’s operations manager in the region, “the Decent Work Caravan is essential to ensure that our operations and the market are aligned with the highest standards of ethics and respect for human rights. The event brings collective gains, as the fruits of this discussion reach not only workers linked to Vale contracts, but also influence employers to act correctly in the market.” 

“It was a very important moment with company representatives, our managers and contract inspectors, in which we had the opportunity to reinforce our cultural transformation and act preventively in view of a possible increase in inspections in companies.” Aldo Lima, Labor Relations Manager at Vale (North). 

In addition to the Açailândia Caravan, we had 12 other editions in July 2023, in Marabá (PA), Canaã dos Carajás (PA), São Luís (MA), Itabira (MG), Vitória (ES), Brumadinho (MG), Ourilândia do Norte (PA) and Belo Horizonte (MG). The events were attended by representatives of the Regional Labor Superintendencies. In some editions, there were two sessions per day, totaling 20 sessions. 

 

"The Decent Work Caravan is an initiative recognized by human rights protection institutions such as InPACTO - National Pact Institute for the Eradication of Slave Labor and has had the participation of workers' unions and community members, which reinforces Vale's commitment to respecting everyone's human rights.” Luana Martins Andrade, Human Rights Manager at Vale. 

To learn more about Vale's commitments to its value chain, access the Suppliers page on the ESG Portal.  

ESG Connection: Vale promotes visibility of the Responsible Purchasing agenda 

On November 1st and 5th, 2024, Vale held an online meeting with its buyers: ESG Connection – Responsible Purchasing. The company has made progress in strengthening this agenda in its value chain. The importance of the environment, sustainability and governance in all processes in the Procurement area was highlighted in the two sessions, which together were attended by 270 buyers.

Vale then presented actions, projects, programs and initiatives aligned with each pillar of the acronym, focusing on the routine of professionals in the Purchasing area. 

The central message was clear: Vale already adopts Responsible Purchasing practices, and buyers play a crucial role in this process. By giving visibility to the ESG agenda, we can enhance these practices and promote significant transformations, not only for the company, but also for society as a whole. The role of buyers is essential to the success of this strategy, contributing to a more sustainable and responsible future, and a value chain engaged in this agenda.  

There was another Conexão ESG session on November 22nd. This time, focused on our suppliers and having as a theme Human Rights. We maintain dialogue with our employees, partners and society, seeking solutions to common challenges and promoting a culture of respect for the dignity and integrity of all people. We reflect together on ways to manage risks and identify opportunities for improvement and good practices to promote decent work in our activities and in the supply chain. Around 530 representatives of Vale suppliers were present. 

Vale Open Doors: opportunity for local businesses 

On August 13, 2024, Vale held the Vale Open Doors event in São Luís, Maranhão, at the headquarters of the Federation of Industries of the State of Maranhão (FIEMA).  

The initiative aimed to present opportunities for local companies to become suppliers for the company's operations, strengthening the link between Vale, a global company, and regional businesses. The event also sought to clarify doubts about supplier registration.  

Altogether, 90 people participated representing 35 companies.   

In addition to this edition, we had three others in the cities of Paraupebas and Belém, in Pará, in 2023, with the participation of 250 people, including Vale employees and representatives of 91 companies.  

These meetings and initiatives throughout 2024 reinforce Vale's commitment to building solid and responsible relationships with its partners and to the evolution and efficiency of the supply chain, promoting a more sustainable and collaborative future for all.