Laís Resende is a Principal Engineer at Vale, specializing in the development of sustainable business solutions and products derived from mining waste. Since 2015, she has led multiple initiatives, which allowed Vale reusing around 2,1 million tons of tailings so far. Her significant achievements include establishing the Vale ore-sand business; planning, launching and operating the first industrial tailings brick factory; developing sustainable high-purity quartz, proppant and countryside pavement from tailings; building the first experimental road made from tailings; helping the creation of 2 Vale Circular Economy Startups. Laís holds a degree in Mining Engineering and a master’s degree in Mining, Material, and Metallurgical Engineering from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). Additionally, she completed a specialization in green transition at Cambridge University. Last year, Amira recognized her as one of the top innovators in the mining industry. She also is inventor of 2 patents. For Laís, the circular economy is not just a sustainable business strategy; it is a pathway to a better future and the ongoing viability of mining.