Vale informs on Stability Condition Declarations

Vale informs that 82 positive Stability Condition Declarations (“DCE”) of its operational structures in Brazil were issued.

Three structures improved their stability conditions and, thus, obtained positive DCEs in the second semester, after negative evaluation in March: Dam 5 of Águas Claras Mine, Taquaras Dam of Mar Azul Mine, both in Nova Lima (MG), and Pondes de Rejeitos Dam of the Igarapé Bahia unit (PA).

The upstream deactivated dams, whose Self-Rescue Zones (ZAS) had already been evacuated for having emergency levels 2 and 3 of the Mining Dams Emergency Action Plan (PAEBM), remain with negative DCEs. They are: Sul Superior dam of Gongo Soco Mine; B3/B4 dam of Mar Azul Mine; and Forquilha I, Forquilha II, Forquilha III and Group dams of Fábrica Complex. In addition to keeping reservoirs dry and minimizing water supply to these structures, initiating the process of de-characterization, Vale is also carrying out containment works downstream of the dams, reinforcing the safety measures for the population, animals and the environment.

Vargem Grande dam, of the Vargem Grande Complex, which is also deactivated and was built by the upstream method, maintained its negative DCE. However, due to the lowering of the reservoir water level and the re-evaluation of the instrumentation by the external auditors, the dam had its PAEBM emergency level reduced from 2 to 1 in June.

In addition to these, other structures, with complementary studies and works already underway, kept their negative DCEs: Sul Inferior dam of Gongo Soco Mine; Dike B and Capitão do Mato Dam of Capitão do Mato Mine; Marés II Dam of Fábrica Complex; Campo Grande Dam of Alegria Mine; Maravilhas II Dam of Vargem Grande Complex; Doutor Dam of Timbopeba Mine; Pontal system of Itabira Complex; Dam VI of  Córrego do Feijão Mine and; Captação de Água Dam of Igarapé Bahia Unit. Such structures remain closed, with PAEBM emergency level 1, without the need to evacuate the ZAS.

Capim Branco sediment dam of the Paraopeba Complex, received negative DCE this semester due to the re-evaluation of the information related to this structure. The emergency level 1 of this dam will be triggered without the need for ZAS evacuation.

Given the Resolution 13 of the National Mining Agency (ANM), published in August this year, and the new parameters established, Vale is working with its technicians and specialists in complementary analysis and in planning new measures to increase safety factors in order to ensure the stability of its structures. Additionally, Vale continues to conduct regular field inspections and continuously monitor its dams and dikes. Negative DCEs from the above-mentioned structures do not change the forecasted sales volumes of iron ore and pellets between 307 and 332 Mt in 2019, with sales expected to be around the center of the range.

Vale reiterates that its priority is with the safety of all its structures and, consequently, of the population and workers downstream of its operations.