Dams
The safety of dams is a non-negotiable priority for the CSN Group. All of its structures are classified as stable, meaning there is no emergency level issued by an independent external auditor, and they are supervised by the National Mining Agency (ANM), which confirms their stable and safe condition. The company has no history of dam-related accidents and addresses the topic with the highest level of attention within its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda.
The company complies with all applicable Brazilian legislation related to dam management and adopts practices aligned with the most recognized international standards for dam safety and management, such as the principles of the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).
As part of this policy, regular visual inspections are conducted, including the use of georeferenced equipment for greater accuracy. In addition, CSN Mineração operates real-time online monitoring systems, based on automated instrumentation and data analysis through specialized software and data analytics tools, capable of detecting any anomalies quickly and efficiently.
Dam safety is managed by a dedicated technical team and overseen by the Dam Committee – composed of the Company’s technical staff and executives – with reporting lines to the Board of Directors, the National Mining Agency, and other competent authorities.
The Stability Condition Declarations (DCEs) of CSN Group’s dams are updated semiannually by an independent auditor and can be accessed here (only available in Portuguese).
CSN and CSN Mineração maintain, for all their structures, Dam Safety Plans and Emergency Action Plans for Mining Dams (PAEBMs). These plans are validated through practical drills and annual seminars, always seeking the engagement of the community and other stakeholders.
In addition, the structures undergo semiannual external audits, as well as periodic safety reviews conducted by independent auditors and peer cross-reviews, further reinforcing the reliability of the verification processes.
CSN operates a Geotechnical Monitoring Center (CMG) located in Congonhas (Minas Gerais), which functions 24/7 to ensure the continuous monitoring of dam safety. The company also performs endoscopic inspections and “life testing”, which are capable of measuring pressure and water levels within internal areas of the dams.
Lastly, CSN Mineração is an active participant in the Municipal Dam Safety Plan (PMSB) of Congonhas (MG). This plan was developed in collaboration with public agencies, other mining companies, and the local community. It establishes guidelines for prevention, preparedness, and emergency response actions, promoting integration between corporate action plans and public civil protection policies.
CSN Mineração’s direct involvement in the development and continuous updating of this plan reinforces its commitment to regional safety, institutional cooperation, and transparency in its relationship with the population.
Mining Dams Emergency Action Plan (PAEBM)
Casa de Pedra Dam
Casa de Pedra Dam Volume V – Emergency Action Plan - PAEBM
Lagarto Dam
Lagarto Dam Volume V – Emergency Action Plan - PAEBM
Engenho Dike
Engenho Dike Volume V – Emergency Action Plan - PAEBM
Esmeril Dike
Esmeril Dike Volume V – Emergency Action Plan - PAEBM
B2 Dam
B2 Dam Volume V – Emergency Action Plan - PAEBM
B2A Dam
B2A Dam Volume V – Emergency Action Plan - PAEBM
Ecológica Dam
Ecológica Dam Volume V – Emergency Action Plan - PAEBM
Vigia Dam
Vigia Dam Volume V – Emergency Action Plan - PAEBM
B4 Dam
B4 Dam Volume V – Emergency Action Plan - PAEBM
Bichento IIIA Dike
Bichento IIIA Dike Volume V – Emergency Action Plan - PAEBM
Since 2020, 100% of iron ore tailings are filtered and dry stacked at CSN Mineração
As barragens construídas pelo método a montante estão em franco processo de descomissionamento. A segurança e o monitoramento das estruturas são feitos por engenheiros e técnicos em geotécnica de barragens. Estamos investindo na independência gradual das barragens e foco na segurança e sustentabilidade do negócio, com a melhor interface com a comunidade do entorno, trazendo o equilíbrio operacional para todos. Nesse sentido, os principais projetos são:
Tailings Filtration Plant I and II
- Greater filters in the iron ore segment;
- Reduce dependence on dams;
- Dry stacking of tailings;
- Higher production rate at the central plant.
Magnetic Concentration Plant that reduces the volume of tailings, CMAI and CMAI II:
- Reduce dependence on dams;
- Transform part of the tailings into a product;
- Allow scale gain;
- Improve ore quality.
So far, dams B1 and B2 – Água Preta, in Lafaiete (CSN); B5, in Congonhas (CMIN), ecological 2, in Rio Acima (MIPE) and Auxília do Vigia in Pires complex (CMIN).
CSN Mineração dam de-characterization schedule for the coming years
