Tailings Emergency Preparedness

Vale’s tailings dams and pipe lines are patrolled twice per 12 hour shift. Operational inspections are completed using a special iPad application. Unusual or changed conditions are logged and reviewed by Vale’s Tailings Supervisor and an Engineer.

In the unlikely event of an emergency, the Clarabelle Mill Control Room is prepared to implement pre-planned responses. The Clarabelle Mill Control Room and tailings operational inspections occur 24 hours per day, 365 days of the year.

Vale has contracted emergency resource services. The required response time of the full crew is within 2 hours. Vale has conducted up to 8 drills, the most recent was February 6, 2020. We are also currently working with the City of Greater Sudbury on enhanced emergency protocols.

Tailings: Theoretical Community ImpactIn the 80 year history of Vale’s Central Tailings Area, there has never been a significant failure requiring evacuation in the community. Vale has achieved the highest rating (AAA) for tailings management under the Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining and is viewed as an industry leader in the management of tailings.

Tailings Area Locations

Theoretical Impacts on Copper Cliff Theoretical Impacts on Copper Cliff/Lively

Tailings: M Area Risk Reduction Project

Phase Activity Status

M Pond

Part 1: 2016

Part 2: 2016

Part 3: 2017

Part 4a: 2018

Part 4b: 2019 to 2020

Part 5: 2019

Part 6: 2020 to 2025

M Area Decant

Process Water Changes

M to P Pond Spillway

Design Improvement

Dredging & Infilling

Utility relocation (oxygen line)

Buttress Construction

Complete

Complete

Complete

Complete

Pending

Pending

Pending

In the Spring of 2017, Vale initiatied a project in the M Pond of its Central Tailings Area, which will significantly reduce dam safety risk to Copper Cliff residents. This work is part of Vale’s ongoing tailings facility upgrades and risk reduction activities.

Inactive Tailings

Frood - Stobie Complex

• Vale has two inactive tailings facilities and one closed tailings facility in Ontario.

• The inactive tailings facilities are associated with the Stobie Complex and Coleman Mine.

• The closed tailings facility is located approximately 1 hour west of Thunder Bay near the village of Shebandowan.

• All of the inactive tailings facilities have routine visual inspections by on-site personnel and annual dam safety inspections by licensed professional engineers.

• Vale’s Inactive Tailings Review Board consists of independent and highly specialized engineers from across Canada.

Shebandowan Inactive Tailings Area

Levack Inactive Tailings Area - Coleman Mine