Structures

At Mineração Morro do Ipê, the safety of our structures is our top priority.

Dam B1 – Mina Ipê

Location: Brumadinho, Minas Gerais;
Construction method: 1 upstream raise and 1 downstream raise;
Type of tailings: Fine iron ore tailings;
Current volume: 1,204,665 m³;
Status: Tailings disposal halted in 2019.

Auxiliary Dam B1 – Mina Tico-Tico

Location: Igarapé, Minas Gerais;
Construction method: Upstream and downstream raises;
Type of tailings: Fine iron ore tailings;
Current volume: 4,258,447 m³;
Status: Tailings disposal halted in 2017.

Dam B2 – Mina Tico-Tico

Location: Igarapé, Minas Gerais;
Construction method: Upstream raises;
Type of tailings: Fine iron ore tailings;
Current volume: 2,080,662 m³;
Status: Tailings disposal halted in 2007.

Status
of the Structures

Mineração Morro do Ipê no longer uses tailings dams. All structures have been deactivated, are stable and safe, and have a Declaration of Stability Condition (DCE), which can be accessed on the National Mining Agency’s website.

Dam Monitoring

Geotechnical Monitoring Center (CMG)

B1 Auxiliary, B1 Ipê, Dam B2 – Mina Tico-Tico

Automated monitoring:

Instruments measure pore pressure, water levels, surface mass displacement, and vibrations in real time

Robotic automation:
Monitors the surface of the structures, detecting any deformation.

Alert system:

Equipped with an alert system connected to 10 high-resolution cameras and new radar units.

Sirens:
11 sirens for Auxiliary B1 and B2 Tico-Tico; 8 sirens for Ipê B1 tailings dam.

Even though the tailings dams are deactivated, monitoring is carried out 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Specialists conduct inspections and audits, issuing reports to ensure the stability of each structure. The anomaly detection system relies on visual inspections, drone monitoring, automated instruments, and video surveillance. Mineração Morro do Ipê provides technical reports that include moisture levels and dam height, as well as water and dust analysis of the tailings, in accordance with Article 14 of Law 23.291, dated February 25, 2019.

Continuous Monitoring

Even with deactivated tailings dams, we carry out daily and detailed monitoring. We maintain partnerships with experts, conducting frequent inspections and reports to ensure the stability of each structure. The PAEBM (Mining Tailings Dam Emergency Action Plan) is also constantly updated to respond effectively to any eventuality.

Commitment to Safety

Our actions are guided by a commitment to operational safety and the sustainability of the regions in which we operate. The decharacterization process of tailings dams, combined with the use of new technologies, is a key part of our strategy to mitigate environmental impacts and protect both the environment and neighboring communities.

Prevention Culture Program

Monitored Dams: B1 Auxiliary, B1 Ipê, B2 Tico-Tico

To promote a culture of prevention in the municipalities where we operate, we implemented the Prevention Culture Program, which includes integrated and sustainable educational actions.

Ipê developed the Environmental Education Program: Prevention Culture, aimed at students from public schools and individuals served by CRAS and local health units in the ZAS region.

The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of prevention and the risks associated with the territory, including the presence of tailings dams. The initiative empowers the community to deal with environmental and safety challenges, promoting a culture of prevention.