Emergency Action Plan

What is the Emergency Action Plan for Mining Dams (PAEBM or PAE)?

A document that defines immediate actions in emergency and aims to provide measures to minimize risk to communities and environmental impacts and cultural heritage.

All Vale dams in Brazil, included in the National Dam Safety Policy, as well as all dams included in the State Dam Safety Policy) include a Emergency Action Plan for Mining Dams (PAEBM) / Emergency Action Plan (PAE).

The plan is drawn up, developed, implemented, and managed in accordance with the requirements of the law and the emergency guidelines of civil protection and defense bodies.

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Photo: Vinicius Lira

PAEBM/PAE content

Structuring the PAEBM/PAE Document

Section I – Characterization of the PAEBM/PAE and all technical elements with a view to meeting the requirements of the supervisory entities identified by the National Dam Safety Policy (PNSB);
Section II – Civil Protection and Defense Actions in compliance with the requirements of Civil Defense agencies;
Section III – Actions for the protection and mitigation of environmental impacts such as wildlife rescue, water supply diagnosis, etc., in compliance with the requirements of environmental agencies;
Section IV – Actions for the preservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage;
Section V – Actions necessary for the preservation and safeguarding of production animals (applicable only to dams in the state of Minas Gerais).

The PAEBM/PAE contains

Flood inundation area in the event of dam failure:

Representation of areas potentially affected in case of dam failure.
Geographical delimitation of the Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS) and the Secondary Safety Zone (ZSS).

Flood Wave Arrival Times in potentially affected localities/communities:

Location of Meeting Points and Escape Routes.
Description of escape routes with distances to meeting points .

Location of Alert Systems (Sirens).

Guidelines on how to proceed if the alert system sounds.

Emergency Notification and Communication Flows.

Actions to Mitigate Environmental and Sociocultural Impacts:

Measures to contain or reduce damage to the environment.
Procedures to safeguard cultural heritage and preservation areas.

Measures to Guarantee the Supply of Potable Water.

Communication Channels for addressing and clarifying community questions:

Training Procedures, Internal and External Simulations, and Orientation Seminars.

Access the PAEBM/PAE

Only available in portuguese.

Minas Gerais

5 – Mac

5-Mutuca

7A and 7B

Alcindo Vieira, Borrachudo, Borrachudo II, Cemig I, Cemig II, Jirau, Piabas and Quinzinho

Forquilhas I, II, III, IV,
Grupo and Dique de Pedra

Gambá

PDE Permanente II - Fase I

Pontal

Porteirinha and Monjolo

Principal

Rio do Peixe

Santana

Sul (Córrego do Canal)

Sul Superior and Sul Inferior

Pará

Base Metals

Dique de Finos I

Understanding the Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS) and Secondary Safety Zone (ZSS):

ZAS

Self-Rescue Zone

Section of the valley downstream from the dam where it is considered that issuing warnings to the population is the responsibility of the developer, as there is not enough time for intervention by the competent authorities in emergency situations, and the greater of the following distances should be adopted for its delimitation: the distance corresponding to a flood wave arrival time of 30 minutes or 10 km.

ZSS

Secondary Safety Zone

This is the area that could be impacted by a dam breach, but which is outside the Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS), allowing time for intervention by the authorities. The Secondary Safety Zone is a concept used in Emergency Action Plans for Mining Dams (PAEBM/PAE). It represents the area that could be hit by a flood wave in the event of a dam breach.

Calendar of events

July 28 and 29 - Guidance Seminar on Dam Safety in São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo

Vale promotes guidance seminars on dam safety in São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo

Civil Defense and Vale held guidance seminars on the topic of dam safety in São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo on July 28 and 29.

The initiative is part of the community engagement and dialogue efforts, providing a space to share information and clarify doubts on the subject.

The first meeting will take place on July 28, at 7:00 pm, at the Matias Community Court – Matias Community Living Space, located on Rua Barcelona, s/nº, in the Matias neighborhood.

The second seminar will take place on July 29, at 7:00 pm, at Praça Cônego Guimarães, in the Patrimônio community.
Community participation is free and open to the public.

Guidance Seminar – Dam Safety
📅 July 28 | 7:00 pm
Matias Community Court – Matias Community Living Space
Rua Barcelona, s/nº – Matias, São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo

📅 July 29 | 7:00 pm
Praça Cônego Guimarães – Patrimônio
São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo.

08/06 - Safety Drill in São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo

São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo holds Dam Emergency Drill on August 6

Residents and workers of São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo will take part, on August 6, 2026, at 2:00 pm, in the Dam Emergency Drill set out in the municipality's Contingency Plan. The initiative aims to guide the population on the procedures to be adopted in emergency situations and to strengthen the culture of prevention and self-protection.

During the activity, the emergency sirens will be sounded and participants must follow the marked evacuation routes to the meeting points defined for each locality. Trained teams will be available to guide participants throughout the route.

Residents from the communities of Roque and Gralhos and from the neighborhoods of Matias, Malaquias, Santana, Guanabara, Vale do Sol, and Cidade Universitária will take part in the exercise.
Holding the drill is not related to any change in the condition of the structures. The dams involved remain under permanent monitoring and inspection, following the safety protocols adopted by the operators and the relevant authorities.

Service
Dam Emergency Drill
📅 Date: August 6, 2026
🕑 Time: 2:00 pm
📍 São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo
Information:
☎ (31) 3820-1881
☎ 0800 285 7000
☎ Civil Defense: 199

08/19 - Guidance Seminar on Dam Safety in Macacos

Meeting on dam safety in Macacos. Take part!

On August 19 (Wednesday), at 7 PM, Civil Defense and Vale will hold a meeting with the community to present the Emergency Action Plan for the 5-Mutuca, B6, B7, and Taquaras dams (Mar Azul Mine) and Capão da Serra (Tamanduá Mine).

The meeting is an opportunity to clarify doubts, learn more about the dam safety system, give input and take part in the plan, and prepare for the practical emergency drill.

Location: Rubem Costa Lima School (Al. dos Mendes, 30 - Capela Velha, Macacos)

The meeting will also be broadcast online — just visit this website on the scheduled date and time and click the access link.

For questions or more information, contact Nova Lima Civil Defense: (31) 3180-5879 – (31) 98699-1190, or reach us through Alô Vale at 0800 285 7000.

There has been no change in the safety condition of the structures. Vale's dams are monitored 24 hours a day and inspected regularly.

08/19 - Guidance Seminar, in Itabira and Santa Maria de Itabira, on the Alcindo Vieira, Borrachudo, Borrachudo II, Cemig I, Cemig II, Dique Quinzinho, Jirau, Piabas and Santana structures, and the Cauê and do Meio mines, in compliance with the Mining Dam Emergency Action Plan – PAEBM, in the Self-Rescue Zone – ZAS of Itabira Norte.

Vale is preparing for the announcement and holding of the Guidance Seminar, in Itabira and Santa Maria de Itabira, on the Alcindo Vieira, Borrachudo, Borrachudo II, Cemig I, Cemig II, Dique Quinzinho, Jirau, Piabas and Santana structures, and the Cauê and do Meio mines, in compliance with the Mining Dam Emergency Action Plan – PAEBM, in the Self-Rescue Zone – ZAS of Itabira Norte.

The Seminar will take place on August 18, 19, and 20, at 7:00 PM, and the communities that should participate are listed below:

In Itabira, the Seminar will take place at the House of Dona Eva and Mr. Tião, near the Deus é Amor Pentecostal Church - Borrachudo Community, on August 19.
In Santa Maria de Itabira, the Seminar will take place at the São Sebastião Chapel - Córrego da Lage Community, on August 20.

This event will be a valuable opportunity to:

Clarify questions;
Learn more about the dam safety system;
Contribute opinions and actively participate in the plan;
Prepare for the practical emergency drill.

We encourage in-person participation for closer engagement. If that is not possible, we will also have an online broadcast (link below) on August 18, at 7:00 PM. Join us and stay informed about the topics related to the Mining Dam Emergency Action Plan - PAEBM.

Link to access the online session: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/236149786615915?p=bekiM3cRqYHJjnk3Sw

BROADCAST: Guidance Seminar for the Itabira Norte axis - Alcindo Vieira, Borrachudo, Borrachudo II, Cemig I, Cemig II, Dique Quinzinho, Jirau, Piabas and Santana Dams | Join Meeting | Microsoft Teams

08/26 - Macacos Dam Safety Drill

On August 26 (Wednesday), starting at 11 AM, Civil Defense and Vale will hold the Safety Drill for the 5-Mutuca, B6, B7, and Taquaras dams (Mar Azul Mine) and Capão da Serra (Tamanduá Mine), in Nova Lima.

To take part, when you hear the emergency sirens, simply head to the nearest Meeting Point if you are within the Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS) of these structures.

Communities taking part in the drill: Arraial (Centro), Jardim Amanda, Campo do Costa, Grota Fria, Cachoeira, Retiro, Mata do Engenho, Alto da Mata do Engenho, Estrada do Engenho, Fechos, Rua da Luz and Rua do Sossego, Ecoville Condominiums 1, 2, and 3, Jardim Petrópolis, Parque do Engenho, Arvoredo and Passárgada, São Luiz, da Luz, and do Sossego Streets, Vila São Luiz, Capela Velha, Estrada dos Mendes, and Santo Daime.

For questions or more information, contact Nova Lima Civil Defense: (31) 3180-5879 – (31) 98699-1190, or reach us through Alô Vale at ☎️ 0800 285 7000.

There has been no change in the safety condition of the structures. Vale's dams are monitored 24 hours a day and inspected regularly.

08/27 - Guidance Seminar/Public Meeting of Antônio Pereira

The Civil Defense Departments, in partnership with Vale, will hold the Guidance Seminar/Public Meeting of Antônio Pereira on the Emergency Action Plan for Mining Dams (PAEBM) for the Doutor, Timbopeba, and Natividade structures. The event is aimed at workers, residents of Antônio Pereira, and people passing through MG-129. The seminar is an important opportunity to clarify questions, present the dams' safety actions and systems, share updates on the decharacterization works of the Doutor Dam, and reinforce the importance of participation by the community, workers, and passersby. In addition, participants will receive guidance on how to act in the event of an emergency and will be prepared to take part in the emergency drill planned for the area.

How to participate
📅 Date: August 27
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
💻 Format: Online

To access the live broadcast, click here: https://www.youtube.com/live/cmFfxoXxtLw

Community participation is essential to strengthen the culture of prevention and safety.

For questions, please contact:

Ouro Preto Civil Defense: (31) 3559-3121 or 199
Mariana Civil Defense: 199 / 3558-4412
Alô Vale: 0800 285 7000

11/04 - Guidance Seminar on Dam Safety in Brumadinho

Meeting on dam safety in Brumadinho. Take part!

On November 4 (Wednesday), at 7 PM, Civil Defense and Vale will hold a meeting with the community to present the Emergency Action Plan for the following dams: Menezes I, Menezes II, Dam VI, Dam VII, Capim Branco, Dique de Pedra, and Lagoa Azul, in Brumadinho.

The meeting is an opportunity to clarify doubts, learn more about the dam safety system, give input and take part in the plan, and prepare for the practical emergency drill.

Location: (to be determined)

The meeting will also be broadcast online — just visit this website on the scheduled date and time and click the access link.

For questions or more information, contact Civil Defense at: (31) 99877-1263, or reach us through Alô Vale at ☎️ 0800 285 7000.

There has been no change in the safety condition of the structures. Vale's dams are monitored 24 hours a day and inspected regularly.

11/11 - Brumadinho Dam Safety Drill

On November 11 (Wednesday), starting at 11 AM, Civil Defense and Vale will hold the Safety Drill for the Menezes I, Menezes II, Dam VI, Dam VII, Capim Branco, Dique de Pedra, and Lagoa Azul dams, in Brumadinho.

To take part, when you hear the emergency sirens, simply head to the nearest Meeting Point if you are within the Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS) of these structures.

Communities taking part in the drill: Alberto Flores, Cantagalo, Beira Rio and Coqueiro Velho Condominiums, Córrego do Barro, Fazenda Flor da Índia and surrounding areas, Haras 4 Lagos, Parque da Cachoeira, Comunidade Amianto, Ponte das Almorreimas, Brumado, Conceição de Itaguá, Tejuco, Pastorinhas, Córrego Fundo, Monte Cristo, Jangada, Vale do Lago, and Córrego do Feijão.

For questions or more information, contact Civil Defense at: 199 – (31) 99877-1263, or reach us through Alô Vale at ☎️ 0800 285 7000.

There has been no change in the safety condition of the structures. Vale's dams are monitored 24 hours a day and inspected regularly.

Main engagement actions undertaken to ensure the operational effectiveness of the PAEBM/PAE

Internal Training

Their objective is to contribute to maintaining the readiness of internal teams, promoting greater familiarity among those involved with the elements of the plan and with the responsibilities inherent to the PAEBM/PAE.

Orientation Seminar

Organized by the developer with the participation of representatives from the municipality, civil defense agencies, and the population present in the Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS), the aim is to disseminate safety procedures and discuss procedures to allow for an increasingly effective Emergency Action Plan for Mining Dams (PAEBM/PAE). This meeting includes the presentation of the flood map, dialogue with interested parties, and clarification of doubts.

Simulated Exercises

Organized by the Municipal Coordination of Civil Protection and Defense (COMPDEC) with the support of the entrepreneur, these inspections aim to contribute to maintaining the readiness of communities and internal workers present in the Special Security Zone (ZAS). They verify the effectiveness of emergency signage and the alert system, assess meeting points and the time it takes for people to leave the risk area, among other things. Community participation is fundamental.

Siren Test

Sirens undergo periodic testing, which can be audible and/or silent. During audible tests, a specific sound is emitted that differs from the signal used in real emergency situations. This allows residents to identify that it is just a test and not a real emergency.

Compliance and Operational Assessment (ACO) of the PAEBM/PAE

This assessment consists of verifying the minimum requirements established by current legislation (compliance) and demonstrating its effectiveness in the event of real emergency situations (operability). This assessment is formalized through the Compliance and Operability Report (RCO), prepared by a multidisciplinary team. Technical responsibility for the document must be assigned to legally qualified professionals, registered with CREA (Regional Council of Engineering and Agronomy), with the issuance of a Technical Responsibility Annotation (ART).

Additionally, a Declaration of Compliance and Operability (DCO) is issued, signed by the representative of the contracted auditing company and the legal representative of the entrepreneur, attesting that the Emergency Action Plan for Mining Dams (PAEBM/PAE) is compliant and operational. This declaration can be consulted on the website of the National Mining Agency (ANM).

Educational booklet on safety in areas with dams

Evaluation by an external multidisciplinary team of all elements forming the PAEBM to verify its operability. The external team is responsible for preparing the Compliance and Operationality Report of the PAEBM and issuing the Compliance and Operationality Declaration of the PAEBM.

Click to download the student booklets

Click to download the teacher booklets