Samarco and the EMBRAPII Sustainable Mining Unit, from the Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP Escola de Minas), entered into an agreement to develop studies on new ways of using iron ore sandy tailings in the civil construction production chain. The partnership, signed in October last, is the unit's inaugural project after the university's accreditation to EMBRAPII with a focus on sustainable mining. In addition to the development of technologies for the use of waste, the initiative aims at generating business opportunities for the region of Ouro Preto and Mariana, boosting the circular economy, taking into account the vocation of manufacturers in these territories.
The partnership is in line with Samarco's purpose of carrying out mining differently and in more sustainable manner, and sharing value with society. Training will also be provided for entrepreneurs to use the technique, fostering diversification and sustainable business development.
UFOP Escola de Minas - EMBRAPII Unit in Sustainable Mining - will define the trace of ore waste to be applied in the production of precast and masonry, manufactured from sandy waste. The performance of this unit is focused on sustainable mine operations, sustainable processes in mining, treatment and sustainable management of waste and water.
"For UFOP, especially for the Escola de Minas that hosts the EMBRAPII Sustainable Mining Unit, this project with Samarco fulfills the purpose of the University, as, in addition to research and technological development, it expands the reach of the university into the industry and society with the purpose of providing environmental and social solutions that can be effectively applied”, says Professor Felipe Ribeiro Souza, deputy director of the UFOP Escola de Minas EMBRAPII Unit.
He highlights the environmental and economic benefits of the blocks. “Blocks made of sandy tailings, in addition to contributing to reducing the disposal of this material in the environment, will increase the range of alternatives for low-cost and similarly efficient civil construction materials. After obtaining the necessary certifications, the block initially manufactured to be used in road paving will be able to be produced and sold on a large scale, contributing to the local economy where it can be produced”, said the deputy director.
“The project has a socio-environmental and socioeconomic bias in that it fosters a circular and social economy. We seek solutions not only for mining, but especially for society, based on a bridge between technologies and the market. The interaction between industry, universities and government in the project is an example of the triple helix model that aims at promoting development through innovation and entrepreneurship, and that strengthens the innovation ecosystem” highlighted innovation leader, Alessandra Prata.
Among the projects expected by the initiative, the material produced will be destined to the manufacture of blocks that will be used in the paving of the Purificação road, which connects Antônio Pereira district to the Morro de São João district, in Ouro Preto, in the last stage of the works, expected to be completed in the second half of 2023.
The initiative also provides for the assessment of the use of sandy ore tailings on other fronts, according to economic potential, technical feasibility, environmental, social and financial costs, in addition to mapping manufacturers, to review proposals for sustainable alternatives for the
locations, boosting the region's ecosystem. The agreement was signed through the Research Development Foundation (Fundep).
EMBRAPII
It is a social organization, accredited by the federal government, which supports technological research institutions by fostering innovation in Brazilian industry. The institution operates through cooperation with scientific and technological research institutions, public or private, focusing on business demands, for the development of innovation in Brazilian industry.
UFOP Escola de Minas
UFOP Escola de Minas is an EMBRAPII accredited unit to operate in the mining production chain, focused on technologies, equipment and mining systems, for the development of economic and environmental sustainability in mining processes.
Samarco
It is a joint venture owned by Vale and BHP, which started operations in 1977. It is a pioneer in Brazil in the mining of low-grade iron ore and in the transportation of slurry by pipeline. It is a fully integrated enterprise, with two operating units: the Germano Complex, in Mariana (MG) and the Ubu Complex, in Anchieta (ES). Its main product is iron ore pellets, the raw material for steel production in the steel industry.
The company develops alternatives for the sustainable use of waste from iron ore processing, internally and also for other markets.