Mountainous landscape with sparse vegetation and a large central lake surrounded by rock formations.

Closure Process of the Águas Claras Mine – MAC

As part of the ongoing closure process of the Águas Claras Mine (MAC), Vale will hold a public meeting to present the Mine Closure Environmental Plan (PAFEM) and address questions from the community regarding the environmental and social aspects of the mine’s decommissioning, as well as the proposed future use of the mined area.

9/10/2025

7:00 PM

Águas Claras Mine – MAC, Building 4
Av. Dr. Marco Paulo Simon Jardim, 3580 – Nova Lima/MG

Closure Plan

SEI FEAM Process No.: 2090.01.0002912/2022-17

The Mine Closure Environmental Plan (PAFEM) is a technical document that outlines the guidelines for the safe and responsible deactivation of a mine, covering environmental, social, and economic aspects. Its objective is to minimize the negative impacts of mining activities and promote a sustainable transition for the area following mine closure, taking into account future land use and the legacy for the local community.

Click here to access the MAC PAFEM

IMPORTANT: The public meeting is open to all, free of charge, and does not require registration to attend. Signing up through this link is solely for those who wish to receive information via e-mail.

How to get there?

Vale Free Transportation

Vale will provide free bus routes to the meeting, departing from neighborhoods in Nova Lima.

Private Vehicle

Upon arrival at the MAC gate, follow the signs toward Building 4, where the Public Meeting will take place.

After parking, proceed to the Casa Uso Futuro via the yellow staircase located next to Building 4. Our team will be available to assist you if needed.
For parking spaces designated for individuals with reduced mobility, drivers will be guided by our on-site staff.
Please respect the speed limit of 40 km/h and arrive safely.

If arriving by motorcycle, due to mine safety protocols, you will be directed to park near the gate and use the internal shuttle to reach Building 4.

Need more information?

A person wearing a white hard hat, green ear protectors, an orange safety vest, and black gloves stands in front of industrial equipment. Their face is blurred. The number "5306" appears in the background.

Photo: Washington Alves

Context

History of the Águas Claras Mine and its new cycle of use

The Águas Claras Mine is a territory undergoing transformation. After decades of contributing to the region’s economic development, the area is entering a new phase. The goal is to leave a positive legacy for both the environment and the community, fostering a renewed relationship between society and the territory.

Progress and completed milestones

The project has already achieved key milestones:

Submission of the Mine Closure Environmental Plan (PAFEM) in December 2023
Initiation of stabilization and land adaptation works
Ongoing feasibility studies for future land uses
Expansion of publicly accessible areas
Execution of pilot events and community engagement activities

Expected impacts for the Nova Lima and Belo Horizonte region

The project aims to deliver tangible benefits to the region, including:

Expansion of green areas and conservation of the Jambreiro Forest
Creation of new leisure and sustainable tourism opportunities
Enhancement of the landscape and natural heritage
Promotion of culture and environmental education
Development of opportunities for the local economy

How the Future Use Project is built with community participation

Community engagement is essential to ensure that the future use of MAC reflects the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders. The project is built on a continuous process of active listening, which has already gathered input from more than 7,000 people to date.

Learn more about the MAC Future Use Project by clicking here