285 The initiative introduced a magnetic concentration stage applied to the plant flotation, which successfully reduced the iron content in the tailings from approximately 25% to 12%. This process consequently decreased the volume of tailings generated and enhanced the mass recovery of the unit. (Figure 6). Figure 6 – Aerial view of ITM-D processing plant. 3.4. Utilization of Tailings in Dams: Vargem Grande Tailings Dam In 2019, Vale initiated studies aimed at the removal of tailings deposited in the Vargem Grande Dam, located in Abóboras mine, Minas Gerais state. In parallel, investigations were conducted to assess the quality of the deposited material and its potential for reuse, thereby reducing the remaining volume and enabling the sustainable management of fine particles generated during dam decharacterization. This approach also minimized the land area required for tailings disposal. During the first stage of decharacterization, tailings were temporarily stored in the operational pit of Abóboras (Figure 7). Subsequent testing in existing plants (VGR 2, Abóboras 1 and 2, and ITM-D at Pico) demonstrated positive results for reprocessing. The reuse strategy was supported by several factors, including the readiness of plants to process tailings, recovery of more than 50% of the iron content, reduction of residual tailings and simplified licensing due to anthropized areas.
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