Photo: Ricardo Teles
Tailings management system
We have implemented the Vale Tailings and Dams Management System (TDMS), which establishes guidelines for managing the safety of our structures. Aligned with industry best practices, the system defines roles and responsibilities, as well as standards and requirements that reflect the Company’s values, ambitions and principles in ensuring the safety of dams and tailings storage facilities (TSFs).
Lines of defense
As part of our corporate governance, we have adopted the three lines of defense model. This framework strengthens operational safety, optimizes communication for decision-making and enhances risk management throughout every stage of our operations.
First line
Geotechnical operations
Risk owners
Made up of operational areas, this line is responsible for directly identifying, assessing and controlling risks in day-to-day activities. It also ensures the effective implementation of internal controls.
Second line
Geotechnical Department
Corporate geotechnical team
Represented by governance functions, such as compliance and risk management, this line establishes Vale’s internal standards, provides guidance to the first line and monitors its activities, ensuring that risks are managed in accordance with corporate guidelines.
Third line
Compliance Department
Internal Audit area and Whistleblower Channel
Composed of the internal audit function, this line evaluates the effectiveness of implemented controls and verifies that risks are being managed appropriately.
External reviews
In addition to the conventional three lines model and in line with international best practices, our Tailings and Dams Management System incorporates additional layers of oversight and external verification:
Engineer of Record (EoR):
An independent external professional responsible for the ongoing oversight of our structures. Responsibilities include interpreting monitoring and inspection data, issuing technical reports and identifying any need for intervention.
Regular Safety Inspection Report
One of the Engineer of Record’s responsibilities is to issue a Regular Safety Inspection Report every six months, together with a Declaration of Stability Condition, as required by National Mining Agency (ANM) Resolution 95 of 2022. This document certifies the safety of the structure.
Periodic Dam Safety Reviews:
Required under Brazil’s National Dam Safety Policy and regulated by ANM Resolution 95 of 2022, these reviews are conducted by independent geotechnical consulting firms. They complement our safety management system through specialized technical assessments that result in reports accompanied by a Declaration of Stability Condition and recommendations for Vale’s teams.
Independent Tailings Review Board (ITRB)
An independent technical committee composed of multidisciplinary experts that conducts technical reviews of the design, construction, operation, closure and management of Vale’s tailings storage facilities. Its members are external professionals with extensive experience and internationally recognized expertise, who have never been directly involved in the design or operation of the structure under review. Based on its technical assessments, the board provides Vale with independent opinions and recommendations.
Photo: Daniel Martins / 9DStudio
Geotechnical monitoring centers
Our structures are monitored continuously through three geotechnical monitoring centers, which operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These centers use advanced technologies, including radar systems, remote sensors, cameras, drones and other instruments that enable real-time monitoring of structural safety.
Upstream Dam Decharacterization Program
In 2019, we launched our Upstream Dam Decharacterization Program, targeting structures considered to present the highest level of risk. We are committed to eliminating all dams built using the upstream construction method. We will not build any new upstream dams, and all existing structures are inactive and undergoing decharacterization.
Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM)
In 2020, we reinforced our commitment to adopting safer practices by implementing the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), strengthening our alignment with international best practices.
Geotechnical Panorama
In 2024, Vale launched the Panorama Geotecnia an integrated initiative designed to share best practices and key advancements, focusing on safety and the management of geotechnical structures.
But first, be sure to watch the video below, which simply explains what geotechnics is, its importance, and its fundamental role in mining.
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