Additional dam stability certified by Vale

The Brazilian mining agency ANM has raised emergency level 1 for the Vale Dam No. 6 at the Aguas Claras mine in Nueva lima, Minas Gerais, confirming its stability after completion of strengthening work.

In addition, specialized engineering teams responsible for the Periodic Safety Review of Dams (RPSB) and the Regular Safety Review Report (RISR) carried out inspections, technical analysis and validation, certifying that the design meets all stability and safety criteria.  The declassification of Dam 6 is set out in the Conditions of Commitment signed in May this year with the Minas Gerais Prosecutor's Office and the State of Minas Gerais.  The condition was developed through the mediation of the State Environmental Fund (FEAM) and the Municipality of Nueva lima and provides for the demolition of all dams in Aguas Claras mine.  Until the work is completed, the structures will continue to be regularly inspected and monitored 24 hours a day by the company's Geotechnical Monitoring Center (GMC).