Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an Emergency Action Plan for Mining Dams (PAEBM)?
The PAEBM is a plan that defines the necessary actions to ensure the protection and safety of people in the event of a real emergency involving a tailings dam. To ensure its effectiveness, the Morro do Ipê PAEBM is developed in partnership with the Civil Defense authorities of Igarapé, Brumadinho, and São Joaquim de Bicas. Local communities are actively engaged and informed about the dams and how to respond in a risk scenario. The plan includes population data surveys, installation of signage, implementation of warning sirens, educational seminars, and simulation drills.
2. What is an emergency situation?
An emergency situation is when there is a real risk of a tailings dam failure, identified during daily inspections and monitoring. If no anomalies are detected, the dam is considered to be outside any emergency level.
Emergency situations are classified into three levels:
- Level 1: A minor anomaly is detected and is easily repaired.
- Level 2: Instability persists despite initial corrective actions.
- Level 3: The dam failure is imminent or already occurring.
3. What is a flood map (inundation zone)?
A flood map outlines the area that could be affected in the event of a tailings dam breach. These zones are defined through technical studies.
4. What is the Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS)?
The Self-Rescue Zone (ZAS) is the downstream area from the dam — up to 10 km or within 30 minutes of tailings arrival time. It is defined in the Emergency Action Plan for Mining Dams (PAEBM).
5. How can I verify the safety status of Morro do Ipê's dams?
You can consult the Brazilian National Mining Agency (ANM) portal at this link and search for “Mineração Morro do Ipê S.A.”. There you will find alert levels, Emergency Action Plan (PAEBM) documents, and the latest Stability Condition Declaration (DCE) and Operational Conformity Declaration (DCO). All of Morro do Ipê’s dams are currently safe and show no signs of emergency.
6. Are the dams safe?
Yes. Morro do Ipê no longer operates tailings dams. Existing structures are deactivated, stable, and secure, as confirmed by independent expert reports. They are currently being decharacterized.
7. Why are signs being installed on our neighborhood streets?
This is part of the PAEBM update process. It is a preventive measure in accordance with legal guidelines and reflects Morro do Ipê’s commitment to community safety and transparency.
8. How and when are the sirens activated, and why?
Sirens may be activated during drills, simulations, level 2 emergency evacuations, or actual emergency situations. In the event of accidental activation, Morro do Ipê must be contacted immediately.
Each type of activation has a specific message. All drills and tests are communicated to the community in advance, and the messages broadcasted will explain the reason for activation.
9. Are there cracks or leaks in the dams?
No. There are no cracks, leaks, or other anomalies in Morro do Ipê’s three deactivated dams. The company conducts continuous monitoring, and independent third-party professionals perform semiannual inspections and analyses.
10. What is being done with the deactivated dams?
They are being decharacterized, as required by law. This involves safely relocating their contents to pre-approved locations. Once decharacterized, the dams will cease to exist. Currently, no material is being moved — only monitoring activities are ongoing.
11. How does the dam monitoring system work?
Morro do Ipê’s dams are monitored using advanced instruments that enhance structural safety. Real-time data is transmitted to the Geotechnical Monitoring Center (GMC), which operates 24/7. Monitoring includes field inspections, manual and automated readings, 14 high-resolution cameras, piezometers, seismographs, radars, a robotic station, and drone surveillance.
Independent specialists conduct regular audits, and stability reports are issued every six months. The latest reports, issued on March 28, 2024, confirm the stability of the structures in accordance with ANM (Brazilian National Mining Agency) standards.
