Courts deny most Vale (NYSE: VALE) asset-freeze bids after overflows

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Vale S.A. reports that three preliminary asset-freeze requests by authorities, totaling R$ 2.846 billion, have been denied by the competent courts, while one remaining request for R$ 200 million is still pending. The company notes that other court-ordered preliminary measures are in place, including suspension of operations at the Fábrica and Viga units and preparation of a Degraded Areas Recovery Plan.

Vale states that January 2026 overflows at these units were not related to any of its dams, which it says remain in safe condition under continuous monitoring. The company is investigating the causes, prioritizing protection of people, communities, and the environment, and continues cleanup and cooperation with authorities.

Form 6-K: How Foreign Companies Report to the SEC →

United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16

of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of

February 2026

Vale S.A.

Praia de Botafogo nº 186, 18º andar, Botafogo
22250-145 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

(Address of principal executive office)

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)

(Check One) Form 20-F x Form 40-F ¨

 

Vale updates on asset freeze requests by authorities

Rio de Janeiro, February 9, 2026 – Further to the press release disclosed on February 5, 2026, Vale S.A. (“Vale” or the “Company”) informs that three requests for asset freezes, filed on a preliminary basis and totaling R$ 2.846 billion, have been denied by the respective competent courts. Only one decision remains pending, related to an asset freeze request in the amount of R$ 200 million. The Company further highlights that other preliminary measures of a different nature have been granted by the competent courts, some of which are already being fulfilled, such as the suspension of operations at the Fábrica and Viga units (which were halted by Vale on January 25, 2026) and the preparation of the Degraded Areas Recovery Plan.

The Company clarifies that the overflows that occurred at the Fábrica and Viga units in January 2026 are not related to any of Vale’s dams in the region, which remains in unchanged safe conditions and under continuous monitoring, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The causes of the events continue under investigation through a technical and structured process, with transparency. The Company’s priority remains the protection of people, communities, and the environment. Vale continues to cooperate with the authorities and is carrying out sediment removal and cleaning of the affected areas, in line with its commitments. The Company will keep the market informed of any relevant developments, in line with applicable regulations.

Marcelo Feriozzi Bacci

Executive Vice President, Finance and Investor Relations

For further information, please contact:

Vale.RI@vale.com

Thiago Lofiego: thiago.lofiego@vale.com

Mariana Rocha: mariana.rocha@vale.com

Luciana Oliveti: luciana.oliveti@vale.com

Pedro Terra: pedro.terra@vale.com

Patricia Tinoco: patricia.tinoco@vale.com

This press release may include statements that present Vale’s expectations about future events or results. All statements, when based upon expectations about the future, involve various risks and uncertainties. Vale cannot guarantee that such statements will prove correct. These risks and uncertainties include factors related to the following: (a) the countries where we operate, especially Brazil and Canada; (b) the global economy; (c) the capital markets; (d) the mining and metals prices and their dependence on global industrial production, which is cyclical by nature; and (e) global competition in the markets in which Vale operates. To obtain further information on factors that may lead to results different from those forecast by Vale, please consult the reports Vale files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Brazilian Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM) and in particular the factors discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in Vale’s annual report on Form 20-F.

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	Vale S.A. (Registrant)
	By:	/s/ Thiago Lofiego
Date: February 9, 2026		Director of Investor Relations

FAQ

What court decisions on asset freezes does Vale (VALE) report in this 6-K?

Vale reports that three preliminary asset-freeze requests totaling R$ 2.846 billion were denied by competent courts. One additional request for an asset freeze of R$ 200 million remains pending, so potential financial restrictions are now significantly smaller than initially sought by authorities.

How much in asset freezes is still pending against Vale (VALE)?

One asset-freeze request for R$ 200 million remains pending against Vale. This follows court decisions denying three other preliminary asset-freeze requests totaling R$ 2.846 billion, which reduces the immediate scale of potential asset restrictions disclosed in this update.

Which Vale (VALE) operations are currently suspended according to the filing?

Operations at Vale’s Fábrica and Viga units are suspended. The company states these units were halted on January 25, 2026, and that this suspension is among preliminary measures granted by courts while investigations and environmental recovery efforts proceed.

Are the January 2026 overflows at Vale’s Fábrica and Viga units related to its dams?

Vale states the January 2026 overflows at the Fábrica and Viga units are not related to any of its dams. It adds that dams in the region remain in safe condition and under continuous monitoring, operating around the clock.

What environmental actions is Vale (VALE) taking after the Fábrica and Viga incidents?

Vale is preparing a Degraded Areas Recovery Plan and carrying out sediment removal and cleaning of affected areas. The company emphasizes cooperation with authorities and says its priority is protecting people, communities, and the environment while causes are investigated.

How is Vale (VALE) handling investigations into the January 2026 overflows?

Vale says the causes of the January 2026 overflows are under investigation through a technical and structured process. The company highlights a commitment to transparency during this process and notes it will keep the market informed of relevant developments as required.