About the Jasyn paints animals and Artist landscapes, but has also worked in a variety of areas such as abstract Born Jasyn expressionism, surrealism and Bighetty of the sculpture. He is known in Thompson Mathias Colomb for painting murals on buildings. Cree First In 2005, he painted a mural on the Nation, Jasyn side of the Surface Dry building at was adopted into the Lucas family Vale’s Thompson Operations to help of Thompson, before commemorate the 50th anniversary his first birthday. His father, Jack of the year of discovery of the Lucas, worked at Vale and retired in Thompson ore body. 2010. Jasyn grew up in Thompson Although he was a featured artist and graduated from R.D. Parker at the 2010 Winter Olympics Collegiate. He moved to North in Vancouver and has sold his Vancouver in 1999 where he works around the world, Jasyn graduated from Capilano College continues to work out of Thompson, with a Diploma in Studio Art. Manitoba. He travels, putting on art In 2007, Jasyn returned to Thompson shows across the country, but his and decided to dedicate his time main goal is to further develop his to a career as a visual artist and skills and use technology to have a painter. He works mainly with stronger international presence. acrylic on canvas, both hand-painted For further information visit applications and airbrush, finding www.jasynlucas.ca. a balance in both traditional and contemporary applications.

For more detailed information, please visit our website www.vale.com/canada or contact Ryan Land, Manager, Corporate Affairs and Organizational Development, Standing Strong Manitoba Operations at [email protected] 2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba or 204-778-2326. Living by our values

Every day, Vale’s Manitoba Operations strives to live by As for our ongoing transition to a long-term mining our values. We do this through the distinctive actions of and milling future, we must continue to reduce costs, SafeProduction: plan, accept, care, lead. This year Vale while improving productivity and production in order has placed specific emphasis on the action of caring to sustain investment in the resource. This will ensure and the difference that seconds and inches can make in the competitiveness of our operations. Vale has moved reducing risk to as low as reasonably achievable. I would the “Footwall Deep” portion of the 1-D resource into the encourage you, especially those of you with children next feasibility stage, and we will continue to invest in and youth in your lives, to have risk management order to prove the remainder of the resource. We will conversations regularly and to take the time to apply soon begin to advance the study for a concentrate load- some of the tools of SafeProduction. One of our most out facility adjacent to the mill. important tools is to conduct a SLAM — prior to Our retention and regional employment rates have participating in a high-risk activity or situation, we Stop, continued to improve, as we continue to implement our Look, Assess (hazards), and Manage (risk). Together, we Northern Employment Strategy. And we successfully can move ever-closer to achieving zero harm at work, at concluded the Thompson Economic Diversification home, and at play. Working Group process, which resulted in several ready- There are many reasons to be both optimistic and proud to-implement economic action plans for Thompson and

Photo: Keith Derksen Keith Photo: with regards to our Manitoba Operations as we begin the region. to emerge from one of the more challenging market Our business in Thompson continues to utilize cycles in our recent history. Not only did we surpass the operational excellence and continuous improvement $100 million cost reduction challenge, which resulted in order to ensure that we will be prosperous and in the continuing operation of our Birchtree Mine, but Mission Vision Values sustainable well into the future — our future. We know we did so while moving closer to achieving zero harm. We are that we would not have made it this far, and will not To transform To be the number • Life matters most Notably, our Total Recordable Injury Frequency realized realize a long-term future, without the contributions natural resources one global natural • Value our people a 40% reduction compared with 2012, and in 2013, our what of our employees and their families, and the people into prosperity resources company • Prize our planet T-1 Mine surpassed the milestone of 3,000,000 hours in Thompson and the regional communities. We must and sustainable in creating long • Do what is right without a Lost Time Injury. We were also recognized by continue to work together and care for one another we do the Towards Sustainable Mining program in the areas of development. term value, through • Improve together while doing so. excellence and • Make it happen tailings management and Aboriginal and community passion for people outreach. And we celebrated the long-standing Sincerely, commitment of Fred Houston, our operation’s first and the planet. Lovro Paulic 50-year employee. Vice-President Manitoba Operations Vale Limited

2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 1 Each year, Vale audits itself in audits itself Vale Each year, how determine to 19 key areas the toward is moving it well blue The harm. goal of zero portion of the spider chart 2012. from results represents portion yellow The represents The 2013. from the results harm’ ‘zero the words more the the better visible, become harm. zero towards progress Vale Manitoba Operations has won Operations Manitoba Vale of on a number award the national the National including occasions, Metal Mining for and in 2004 Award in 2005, Award 2010; and the Regional and 2012. 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 of SafeProduction culture The of the borders beyond has grown It being is now Manitoba Operations. Of worldwide. Vale by adopted City the is that of significance, great and the culture adopted Thompson SafeOperations its own developed to continued Vale In 2013, initiative. support the City with its initiative support continued and will provide evolves. as its initiative 2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 3 Vale on Update 2013/2014 Annual ompliance ty fe or Sa ive Discussions untability ct volvement ct ntra Acco Analysis oduction Committees ty Pr dits/Intera fe ompliance fe ty s 6. Employee In fe ofessional tivites 5. Au 7. Sa Pr or Sa 4. Vendor and Co Vendor 4. ty ive Discussions untability ct volvement fe ct 8. Managing Risk and Regulatory C ntra Acco 3. Sa oduction Expectations Analysis oduction Ac oduction Committees ommunication ty Pr Pr dits/Intera Pr fe fe ocedures and Job Sa fe 9. C fe s 6. Employee In ofessional tivites 5. Au 7. Sa 2. Sa Pr s Sa r’ 4. Vendor and Co Vendor 4. ty fe 8. Managing Risk and Regulatory C 10. Rules, Pr 10. Rules, 3. Sa oduction Expectations risk associated with the hazards and with the hazards risk associated those risks to reduce manage and to home. and at ALARA work at both of risk of this culture success The the through is evident management of Manitoba recognition frequent T. the John through Operations and both on a regional Ryan award level. national is a symbol Ryan award T. John The has in mining and safety of premier Trophies 1941. out since been given in a number of each year given are mines who Canadian to categories reportable the lowest recorded have injury frequency per 200,000 hours year. the previous from worked “While employees worked to reduce the operation’s operation’s the reduce to “While worked employees Total the also reduced they million, $100 by costs 40%.” Injury by Recordable rate Frequency oduction Ac ommunication Pr Pr fe ocedures and Job Sa 1. Manage 9. C fe 2. Sa s Sa r’ 10. Rules, Pr 10. Rules, 1. Manage aining t Tr ndustrial Hygiene Chemical Management/ aining t 11. I Tr ty Managemen vices ndustrial Hygiene Chemical Management/ 19. Hiring and ions fe ct 11. I 18. Maintenance 13. Ergonomics ty Managemen vices 19. Hiring and ions fe ocess Sa ct vestigation eparedness 18. Maintenance 14. Inspe 13. Ergonomics y Pr 17. Medical Ser 12. Pr ocess Sa vestigation eparedness 14. Inspe re Prevention y Pr 17. Medical Ser 12. Pr re Prevention Emergenc and Incident In Emergenc ry 16. and Fi and Incident In ry 16. and Fi While Vale Manitoba Operations Manitoba Operations Vale While significant face to continued in 2013, employees challenges the combined of lost sight never — Plan, actions of SafeProduction — and and Lead Care Accept, goals — Profit, the business In and Compete. Margin Cost, to worked fact, while employees by costs the operation’s reduce the lowered $100 million, they also Injury Recordable Frequency Total 40%. In by addition, since rate we inception, SafeProduction’s also seen the disabling injuryhave 80% by drop frequency rate chart). (see accompanying is as a culture, SafeProduction, risk to managing to committed Reasonably Achievable As Low As Ittools and(ALARA). uses specific the hazards, identify to processes Employees at Birchtree Mine (photo top left) and T-1 Mine right) (top T-1 Mine left) top and (photo Birchtree at Employees level and regional on both a national safety for earned recognition have Ryan award T. John Institute of Mining the Canadian by and Metallurgy’s in mining in Canada. safety of premier is a symbol award The program. 15. Inju 15. Inju The push toward zero zero push toward The harm is a journey that represented is well trend the historic by Disabling Injuryfor The Frequency. bar accompanying chart Disabling shows Injury rates Frequency 1998, as well since as SafeProduction milestones. 2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 2 Vale on Update 2013/2014 Annual

2013 ar Ye oduction

0.4 0.4 2012 Pr 10 fe 0.3 Anniversary 2011 Sa

0.7 2010 Snapshot

0.9 2009 end — Tr 1.5 2008

2.8 07 Re-Launch -launch Re equency 2.2 2006

2.6 2005

2.1 2004

2.5 03 Launch Launch

3.4 2002 Thompson Historic Thompson Historic 4.4 2001

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6.1 1999

8.8 1998

Ten years of SafeProduction results in 40% reduction in results SafeProduction of years Ten Injury rates Recordable Frequency Total in SafeProduction “TSM is a valuable program for improving the mining In October 2013, the Mining industry’s performance in a number of areas.” Towards Sustainable Mining Association of Canada (MAC), through the Towards Sustainable Mining necessary components of mining for receiving and acting upon Vale Manitoba Operations wins awards (TSM) initiative, recognized Vale activity, but it is crucial they are complaints and concerns. Manitoba Operations in two areas of managed to protect human safety Of special significance is Vale’s for sustainability performance in two areas achievement — tailings management, and the environment. The TSM contribution to the Thompson and Aboriginal and community protocol for tailings management region through the Thompson outreach. This is a significant goes beyond adhering to technical Economic Diversification Working achievement, as TSM maintains high standards. Group (TEDWG). Vale funded and standards for best practices in the Aboriginal and community co-launched this working group Canadian mining industry. outreach which created action plans to “TSM is a valuable program for MAC believes that strong help diversify the economy of the improving the mining industry’s relationships with communities region. TEDWG saw unprecedented performance in a number of areas,” of interest are fundamental to collaboration between Aboriginal said Robyn Millar, Environment sustainable mining. TSM looks communities, government, business Coordinator. for meaningful dialogue with and other organizations. As a result, Vale was selected as a finalist for a “We are assessed for our tailings communities, whether or not their new award — the 2014 TSM Award management, energy use, feedback is considered in decision- for Community Engagement. greenhouse gas emissions, making, and whether or not the Aboriginal and community operation has a clear mechanism outreach, crisis management planning, biodiversity and conservation management, and safety and health. While we have been making continual improvement in almost all of these protocols, it is particularly gratifying for our Operation to be recognized for achievement in tailings management and Aboriginal and community outreach.”

Tailings management MAC recognizes that tailings Vale hosts annual Open House sessions to help keep the public informed impoundments are not only of its progress and to get feedback from the community.

Members of the Community Liaison Committee, which represents stakeholders within the Thompson region, toured the site of the decommissioned Soab South Mine (top photo). Members of the Thompson Economic Development Working Group (TEDWG) (bottom left) discuss details on one of the action plans. Development of the plans included community input from focus groups and community presentations (bottom right).

2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 4 2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 5 “One thing is certain, if the Footwall Deep Project is The north end of Thompson Mine approved for execution, it will form the heart of our Footwall Deep Project has been under study for several years — geologists have studied mining operations in Manitoba for the next 15 years.” Vale begins feasibility study for what could extend core samples taken from thousands The Footwall Deep FEL 3 scope the detailed design, planning and of feet below surface; mine includes a potential 11 million tons scheduling of this work, suitable for the ‘life of mine’ to 2028 engineers have studied various of nickel-bearing ore located in the actual execution of the project. ways to access the potential ore; the footwall and mid-band zones The FEL 3 Study will carry on and, accountants and analysts have at the north end of Thompson through 2014 and into 2015. researched costs and returns on Mine between 4250 and 5750 “If the FEL 3 Study goes well and all investment. That study took an even Levels. It includes all the associated the pieces come together, we hope more positive turn in 2014 when the infrastructure required to produce to submit the project for approval Footwall Deep Project FEL 3 Study ore from this area through 2028. by early 2016,” said Mark. “While was launched. Infrastructure includes driving we are optimistic, there are many a ramp down to 5800 Level, There are four stages in Vale’s variables involved in a project of establishing working levels at Project Development System (PDS). this scope, all of which need to be 100-foot intervals on the way FEL stands for “Front End Loaded”, accounted for in the FEL 3 Study. down, along with ventilation, meaning the risk associated with One thing is certain, though, if the backfill, dewatering and material a project is managed responsibly Footwall Deep Project is approved handling upgrades throughout the by front end loading the technical for execution, it will form the Thompson Mine material handling and financial work that goes heart of our mining operations in system. The FEL 3 Study involves into a particular project. FEL 3 is Manitoba for the next 15 years.” the feasibility study stage which immediately precedes the project Thompson Mine execution phase. “If the FEL 3 Study Project Location is successful and the required approvals are put in place, we For 2014, the exploration would move into the project program is concentrated execution phase,” said Mark Scott, in and around Thompson General Manager, Mining & Milling. Mine. Multiple drills “But I have to stress the ‘if’, as there are working from is a lot more work required. The underground locations to technical and financial dimensions of the FEL 3 study need to be solid in expand the boundaries order for final approval to be gained Exploration of the Footwall Deep Project continues underground on the 3600-foot level. Drill core from approximately 6,000 feet below of known ore bodies. from the Vale Board of Directors.” surface is brought to surface for analysis.

2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 6 2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 7 “Several earth and rock-fill dams form the TMA, which is The Tailings Management Area divided into five sub-basins referred to as Areas 1 to 5. Tailings Management (TMA) is a collection and settling area for mine discharge and mill There is also a control structure called the Discharge Weir. The TMA is fed by the Grass River water system via marshy Vale expands the capacity of the Tailings Management Area tailings. It comprises approximately 58 square kilometers. It was creeks at the south end of the Vale property. Water travels to accommodate future production designed in 1960, at a time when northeast to discharge at the Weir and eventually into the tailings deposition was 6,000 to Burntwood River system through marshy creeks at the 8,000 tons per day and mine closure northeast end of the basin.” was expected to be 2013. The current mine forecast is for tailings A, as well as continued work on the Operations continue during to peak at 7,000 to 11,000 tons per Dam B coffer dam. The total effect construction, which requires day and mine cessation sometime of this and other work completed ongoing monitoring and after 2028. the previous year was to raise water management practices to levels by approximately one foot in ensure Vale is protecting its A plan was needed to expand the areas 1, 2 and 3 of the TMA. downstream water courses, as capacity of the management area well as maintaining compliance without increasing the size of the “We want to eventually raise the with environmental permitting. footprint. Work on that plan began water level by approximately four These practices include annual in 2011 and continued through 2013. to five feet,” explained Dennis Pilon, bathymetric surveys that determine Tailings Coordinator. “We want to Several initiatives to upgrade the the contours of the bottom of the cover the exposed tailings in Areas 1 TMA that were started prior to 2013 TMA. These surveys help determine to 3 to reduce the nickel load to the were completed last year. They where to safely deposit tailings. basins. Raising the level of the water include completion of upgrades to The addition of lime to suppress will allow us to deposit the required the CN Dam, raising of Dam A1 and nickel load is also employed during tailings to maintain the planned specific times of the year. mine production. We still have to finish Dam B in order to raise levels in other areas of the TMA.”

Flow leaving the catchment area at the control structure known as the Weir (top photo) is sampled and analyzed weekly with reports sent to provincial and federal governments. Another control structure is the Narrows flow gate and coffer dam, which were completed this year (photo left). The merganser standing on a log by the CN dam (bottom right) is an example of the abundant wildlife found in the TMA.

2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 8 2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 9 Caribou Strategy Vale is a working partner with Environment several organizations in monitoring “Vale will be involved in the development of management air, water and wildlife to ensure action plans, along with Aboriginal organizations, Partnerships help Vale work toward zero harm our operations are meeting the government, non-government organizations, industry SafeProduction principles of to the environment and the public. The goal of the strategy is to ensure the working toward zero harm to the needs of caribou are met and human developments and environment. actions are sustainable.” The most recent partnership began in 2012 when Vale Manitoba Manitoba Conservation will release Management Area. Results are Operations started helping the the updated draft of the Boreal reported to both provincial and Nickel Producers Environmental Woodland Caribou Conservation federal levels of government. Air Research Association (NiPERA) and Recovery Strategy for Manitoba. quality is continuously monitored at in the collection of high-nickel its four stations located throughout Ozone concentration analysis in sediment for ongoing sediment the city of Thompson. the atmosphere was added in toxicity studies. This research will 2013 to an air quality monitoring Vale continues to employ the help generate higher quality and partnership that started some Voluntary Emissions Reduction more realistic sediment quality 10 years ago. The partnership is Program (VERP) whenever wind standards, which is important both with Manitoba Conservation and currents blow the plume from the to the environment and to the involves an ambient air quality stack towards the city, helping to industry. Collection of sediment monitoring network within the city reduce levels of sulphur dioxide continued through 2014. of Thompson that monitors sulphur to acceptable limits. And it Volume of Calls to the Manitoba Operations’ In 2008, Manitoba Conservation dioxide, particulate matter and continues to operate its 24-hour invited Vale Manitoba Operations heavy metals. Data collected has Environmental Hotline. Anyone can Environmental Hotline 2003-2014 to participate on an advisory contributed to pollution abatement call 204-778-8888 to report sulphur committee for the management of activities locally, as well as to dioxide in the air or any other 83 woodland caribou in the Wabowden Canada-wide strategies. environmental concern. Anyone can call and Wapisu caribou ranges. Studies (See accompanying chart.) In addition to these partnerships, 204-778-8888 to of migration patterns and other Vale continues daily, weekly aspects of caribou habits and report sulphur and monthly sampling of water 51 dioxide in the habitat have been ongoing. In 2014, 45 45 43 at various locations within its air or any other 34 35 operations and at its Tailings

# of calls environmental 24 concern. 15 12 13

A variety of wildlife thrives in the region of the Vale Manitoba Operations site. A red fox rests beside a cache of pipe for the Tailings 20132012201120102009200820072006200520042003 Management Area (photo left), while a family of moose crosses an open space in the area of Birchtree Mine (right).

2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 10 2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 11 “The most critical times to reach students is when they At Vale, careers in mining do not are in Grade 8, as they will be making course selections for Northern Employment Strategy begin with a job application. They Grade 9 that will help advance their career choices.” begin in elementary schools. “Our Vale invests in tomorrow’s workforce priority has been to develop a robust to reach these students. A Vale- Not all Vale sponsorships and pipeline for our future workforce,” initiated program is a tour of its partnerships are directly related to by creating awareness among youth said Ryan Land, Manager for operations tailored for Grade 8 mining. The company supported Corporate Affairs and Organizational students from Thompson and NCN. the Earth Rangers program, Development. “We begin that bringing it to the School District of Vale also supports Skills Manitoba- pipeline by creating awareness Mystery Lake in 2013. Earth Rangers Canada with several of its northern of mining in general to students delivers a message of conservation programs. These include the starting in elementary school.” and how our actions affect wildlife. Northern In-School Liaison program One of the most exciting initiatives for Grade 8 students, the Northern “We also attend as many career for creating awareness in 2013 Young Women’s conference and, events as possible,” said Ryan. “We was the delivery of Mining Matters new in 2013, a northern young focus on what we call our TEDWG* to approximately 550 youth in men’s conference, aimed at region, but also include other Thompson and Nisichawayasihk introducing them to careers in northern communities such as Cree Nation (NCN), as well as to trades and technologies. Cranberry Portage and The Pas. It educators. Vale has been a sponsor was only a few years ago that we Vale continued to sponsor the of Mining Matters, an initiative of did not have enough applications Mineral Sciences Program at the Prospectors and Developers from this region to fill jobs. That is R. D. Parker Collegiate in 2013. This Association of Canada (PDAC), no longer the case.” program offers students in Grades 9 since 2010 at the national level, through 12 courses in mining-related Creating awareness is a large part but the 2013 program in northern matters ranging from geology to of Vale’s Northern Employment Manitoba was the largest delivered rock mechanics. Vale also partnered Strategy. Just as important is to date. The program uses hands- with Keewatin Tribal Council in ensuring potential employees on activities and games to teach 2013 to produce a Community understand an industrial work the full life cycle of mining — from Employment Pathways Aboriginal environment and are prepared finding resources to refining those Job Seekers Resource Guide that will to work safely within that resources for market. be distributed in 2014. environment. The Process Operators Vale has found that one of the most in Training program was initiated, in Vale supports post-secondary critical times to reach students is part, to help achieve this goal. education programs, including when they are in Grade 8, as they (See next page.) the Aboriginal Engineering Access will be making course selections Program (ENGAP) at the University for Grade 9 that will help advance *(TEDWG stands for Thompson Economic of Manitoba. Vale allocates funds to their career choices. In 2013, Diversification Working Group. It identified assist northern Aboriginal students a ‘catchment’ area for communities using Vale continued several initiatives Thompson as a service and economic hub). in the program. Vale is proud to sponsor events for youth that help develop their understanding of the world around them. The Kid-netic Energy Camp (top photo) has energized education in science for dozens of Thompson youth. Special attention is paid to education in mining through special tours (photo bottom left) and participating in the Mining Matters initiative (bottom right).

2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 12 2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 13 “I felt prepared in that I understood the big “When I applied to Vale, I was picture, the terminology and the principles of risk Growing Our Own nervous. I had no experience in industry. But after the POinT management. I didn’t have to start from scratch.” Meet the graduates of the POinT program — program and a few months of POinT program — to both educate “When you go out on the land all actually working at Vale, I feel I northern people about careers in the stress disappears. Then you they are Vale employees could be a spokesperson for women industry, and to provide a pathway come back into work, and you can to get into the industry!” exclaimed to jobs. Today, approximately work as hard as you want. It’s a Holly Martin, Skid Steer Operator in 90% of the 37 graduates are still good combination. It’s a stepping the Thompson Smelter. employed at Vale’s Thompson stone to a new career,” he said. operations. Holly is one of 37 people to graduate The program is comprised of four from Vale’s Process Operator in “We started in a classroom setting, modules: Industry Awareness, Training (POinT) program. Vale which is good,” said Holly, who lives Safety, Smelter Operations and Manitoba Operations launched in Thompson, “because everyone Refinery Operations. The program POinT in June 2012 as part of its is familiar with a classroom. We includes guest speakers and tours of Northern Employment Strategy. learned theoretical knowledge, various areas. As well, the classroom toured areas and were provided instructor becomes a mentor to Prior to implementation of POinT, with information that many the students as they transition to 80% of new hires came from outside long-term employees would have the workplace. the Thompson region. As of 2012, learned. I felt prepared in that I approximately 50% of all new hires “When I started working in understood the big picture, the would leave the company within September 2013, I was the single terminology and the principles of the first two years. In another two new hire laborer in the Smelter,” risk management. I didn’t have to years, 75% of new hires were gone. recalled Holly. “But I still felt start from scratch.” This resulted in labour shortages, confident. Everyone was supportive increased costs and the inability to Malcolm Hunter lives on the — from my supervisor to my co- meet production targets. Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation workers. The information I learned in (NCN) and commutes the hour POinT transferred well to the actual In the meantime, Vale was aware of to Thompson. The five-days-on, work. I feel I have come a long way the large, untapped labour market four-days-off cycle works well for from not knowing what a mine available in surrounding Aboriginal Malcolm, a Plating Tankman in the shaft and smelter are to operating and northern communities. It also Thompson Refinery. He was raised equipment in the smelter.” realized that most people in these by his grandparents and has a communities were unaware of the close connection to the outdoors. potential for developing a career He particularly loves hunting and within industry. So, it developed the providing for his family.

Participants in the POinT program spend some time in the classroom, but they also tour all areas of Vale’s Manitoba Operations to get a better understanding of mining and processing (top photo). Malcolm Hunter of the Refinery (bottom right) says the work cycle, which provides four consecutive days off, provides time for family and outdoor activities. Upon graduation from the POinT program, Holly Martin of the Smelter (bottom left) said she felt prepared to enter an Photo: Chris Sundevic Chris Photo: Sundevic Chris Photo: industrial work environment.

2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 14 2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 15 One Procurement SLAM Dunk Vale re-establishes local Vale is turning garbage procurement team into a resource

If you supply Vale in Thompson “The big benefit to this action is that our vendors and In 2013 we changed our view on Thompson during a Learning for with products or services, you will suppliers now have a local contact point — someone who garbage. Instead of seeing it as waste, a Sustainable Future youth forum. appreciate the move in July 2013 is on site and who understands our procurement systems.” we began to think of it as a potential “Three sessions were held where we to re-establish a local procurement resource. SLAM Dunk, a new waste shared what goes into making good team. Four Procurement Analysts “The big benefit to this action is that Most of Vale’s purchasing is still management program, provided choices to help Reduce, Reuse and are now available to help vendors our vendors and suppliers now have handled through the procurement tools to help separate the waste into Recycle,” explained Toni. address concerns and to help a local contact point — someone offices in or Rio de Janeiro. streams that could be recycled. This 2013 saw a total of 48% of Vale’s Vale improve its local purchasing who is on site and who understands Some goods or services, however, keeps waste out of the landfill, thereby waste diverted from landfill (with a processes. our procurement systems,” are more regional or site specific extending the life of the landfill peak of 62% in August) and at the explained Donna Patterson, in nature. The local procurement without increasing the size of its end of June 2014, 58% has been Manager of Operation Support & analysts are an especially valuable environmental footprint. It also diverted, bringing us closer to our Procurement. “If a vendor is having resource to the procurement helps offset the costs of recycling. goal of extending the life of our a problem, we can cut through process when Thompson-specific “Our commitment to the new landfill. barriers to help them.” purchases or services are required. environment goes beyond simply “As a potential resource, our new way Other benefits come in the form of “Some of our needs are more complying with regulations,” of thinking resulted in more than Employees, contractors and expediting emergency purchases, unique in nature,” explained Donna, said Toni Paulic, Senior Engineer. Photo: Chris Sundevic Chris Photo: $20,000 from new rebates which visitors are able to sort recyclables informing local businesses of “such as our cathode boxes from “It reflects our corporate values according to colour-coded bins at included pallets, recycling and wet potential service or procurement Norwest Manufacturing or our and requires a commitment their work sites. Since the inception cell batteries. Any way you look at of SLAM Dunk, 144 bales of contracts and providing the one-of-a-kind items such as the lime from everyone on Vale Manitoba it, SLAM Dunk can be considered a recyclable material, adding up to assurance that concerns are being slaker in the Mill. Or, we may have Operations property — employees, 32 metric tonnes have been shipped success!” concluded Toni. heard and addressed. a special project, such as testing contractors and visitors.” for processing. anode bags. We become the point “Having a local point of contact Toni said the plantwide objective is of contact or the conduit to ensure

Photo: Chris Sundevic Chris Photo: is tremendously important to our to continually increase the amount “Our commitment to the environment goes beyond that we are getting the best value. vendors,” said Donna. “They now of waste that is diverted from the simply complying with regulations.” Beth Ann Coombs, on a recent We are aware of freight charges, have a person to phone locally, who Vale landfill. The company decided tour of local supplier Norwest distances and so on, so we are also Manufacturing, learned about the will call them back or answer their in 2013 to take its learnings and a valued asset to the regional and quality controls in making cathode emails in a timely manner. It could successes and share them with boxes for the Thompson Refinery. global purchasing team.” Manager Will Juneau appreciates even be their neighbour, so the others in the community. Its first having a local contact to address confidence that concerns will be Thompson’s Procurement Analysts step in this direction was in March concerns. addressed is greatly improved.” are Denise Horton, Sherri Hohl, 2014 with Grade 8 students in Beth Ann Coombs and Heather Thompson.

2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 16 2013/2014 Annual Update on Vale in Manitoba 17