Commencing in 2026, the high-risk Vale dam situated in Ouro Preto will undergo demolition

In the Central region of Minas Gerais, the mining company Vale is making significant strides in the decommissioning of its Forquilha III dam, located in the Fábrica mine, Ouro Preto.

The Forquilha III dam, which has been in operation for several years, is currently at level 2, requiring careful maintenance such as the evacuation of the self-rescue area. The dam's safety situation and the progress of the works are closely monitored and reported directly to the Public Prosecutor's Office of Minas Gerais (MPMG) and the National Mining Agency (ANM).

Vale has invested more than R$ 12 billion in the decommissioning of upstream dams, with 17 out of 30 planned already eliminated, equating to 57% of the total. The elimination of Forquilha III is scheduled for 2035, taking into account safety criteria and cannot be accelerated in an incompatible manner.

To ensure the safety of the community and the environment, several measures have been put in place. A Downstream Containment Structure (ECJ), a large concrete wall, has been built to protect lives and the environment in case of a breach of the Forquilha III dam. An Upstream Containment Structure (ECJ) has also been built to contain the reject, in case of a collapse of the Forquilha III dam.

The monitoring of Forquilha III dam is continuous, 24/7, using radars, remote sensors, cameras, and other instruments. Registered Engineers (EoR), independent professionals, follow the data and issue reports and stability declarations.

Moreover, a multi-layered governance and supervision system, both internal and external, contributes to mitigating risks related to dams. The Industry Standard for Waste Management (GISTM) has been implemented in all waste dams within the established deadline by Vale. Periodic Dam Safety Reviews, accompanied by DCE, are conducted by another independent company.

An independent technical committee (Independent Tailings Review Board - ITRB), composed of international specialists, issues technical recommendations. Federal and state regulatory bodies conduct oversight, and every six months, an external company issues a Regular Safety Inspection Report and Stability Condition Declaration (DCE).

The Self-Salvage Zone (ZAS) remains evacuated due to legislative requirements, with preparations for de-characterization underway. Parallel to the de-characterization, actions for repair and strengthening of public services are advancing in the municipalities of Itabirito, Ouro Preto, Rio Acima, and Nova Lima.

The progress and safety measures implemented at Forquilha III dam demonstrate Vale's commitment to ensuring the safety of its operations and the communities in which it operates. The decaracterization works of Forquilha III are scheduled to begin in 2026 and end by December 2035.