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2026-04-30

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Nova Lima

Nova Lima safer: decharacterization works completed on 80% of upstream dam structures

ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ continuously invests in technologies and processes to ensure the safety of its dams. The structures are monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through the Geotechnical Monitoring Center (CMG), enabling rapid response in the event of any change in safety conditions. In addition, the structures undergo regular inspections carried out by specialists and by the Engineer of Record (EoR), a professional external to ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ who issues a Regular Safety Inspection Report accompanied by a Stability Condition Statement. All of this work follows an international safety standard called GISTM (Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management), which helps ensure safer and more transparent dam management, from construction through the end of their operational life.
 

At the Monitoring Center, the dams are monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, enabling rapid response in the event of any change in safety conditions.

"At the Geotechnical Monitoring Center, we monitor the dams in real time. We use advanced technologies for the continuous collection of structural data, such as orbital radars and Robotic Total Stations, capable of detecting millimeter-scale movements on the ground surface. All of this technology allows us to act immediately if any change is detected," explains Beatriz Mapa Clemente, CMG Coordinator.

                              Dam B3/B4, in Macacos, had its decharacterization works completed in 2024.


Decharacterization of upstream structures

Prioritizing people's safety, risk reduction, and environmental care, ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ has already completed more than half of the decharacterization works under the Upstream Dam Decharacterization Program in Minas Gerais. In Nova Lima, four of the five upstream structures have already had their works completed: Dam 8B and the Auxiliary Dike of Dam 5 (B5), at the ?guas Claras Mine (MAC); Fernandinho Dam, at the Vargem Grande Complex; and Dam B3/B4, at the Paraopeba Complex. The Vargem Grande dam is currently undergoing decharacterization works, with an expected completion date of 2027. All documentation and technical evidence of dam decharacterization is submitted for final validation by the relevant regulatory authorities.

All of ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½'s upstream dams are inactive and undergoing decharacterization activities, which is both a legal obligation and a top priority for the company.

                                Dam B3/B4, in Macacos, had its decharacterization works completed in 2024.


PAEBM and new siren testing schedule

The Mining Dam Emergency Action Plan (PAEBM) is a document prepared by ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ in partnership with the Nova Lima Civil Defense, which defines procedures for emergency situations with a focus on reducing risks to the community. It also provides for emergency siren tests that will now follow a unified schedule across the entire municipality, including the Macacos district, taking place in odd-numbered months at 10:00 a.m. on the following dates: July 8, September 2, and November 11, 2026.

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