Environmental management

We optimize our water use by encouraging reuse, reducing demand, improving the efficiency of processes and minimizing the generation of effluents.

In 2010, we achieved a water recirculation/reuse rate of 79%. Of the 1.2 billion liters required by Vale’s operations, around 269 million liters were extracted from nature, while the rest was supplied by reused water.

We are conducting projects to use renewable sources and systematize information on energy consumption. In 2011, we acquired a 70% stake in Biopalma da Amazônia S.A., a Brazilian company that produces palm oil, a raw material used to make biodiesel. The aim is to use this fuel to power our locomotives and large equipment at our Brazilian operations.

In addition, we supply some of our energy needs with our own hydroelectric plants. As a major energy consumer, we believe that investment is essential to meet the demands of our global operations.

Find out about our initiatives for improving our energy efficiency

The purpose of our waste management program is to reduce the amount of waste generated by our operations and find more appropriate ways of disposing of it. This work ranges from the separation of materials to the pursuit of alternative reprocessing methods to use waste in other production chains.

When reprocessing is not possible, we dispose of waste in sanitary landfills featuring all necessary environmental controls. Vale conducts periodic audits at all waste disposal sites to check their documents and environmental controls.

In 2010, we reduced the amount of non-hazardous waste generated in relation to 2009, and we achieved a material reuse rate of 48%.

We invest in the enhancement of pollution control systems and in operational and technological practices to minimize atmospheric emissions. Our modern monitoring systems ensure the effectiveness of our measures and help to maintain air quality levels in our areas of influence.

We follow procedures to identify, minimize and eliminate hazards in handling the different chemical products used in our operations.

Each of Vale’s operational units has its own Emergency Response Plan, with duly qualified and trained personnel, as well as appropriate resources and materials for minimizing losses and harm to people and the environment.

Our environmental education initiatives are focused on our employees, contractors, communities and schools. We run training courses, workshops, events and fun activities in order to raise people’s awareness of the importance of environmental issues. Through education, we seek to build a positive legacy in the locations where we operate.