Currently, Samarco possesses all the necessary licenses to operate. With the lessons learned, we improved the production process and obtained the Corrective Operating License (LOC) in 2019, which allowed the gradual resumption of our operations in December 2020, at 26% of our production capacity. We are preparing to reach 100% of our production capacity. However, this requires the construction of new structures and an increase in the mining area, which are part of this new licensing process, initiated in the second half of 2022.
Therefore, studies conducted by external environmental consulting firms and professionals from various fields were carried out, evaluating the possible positive and negative impacts of the continuity of operations.
This licensing process foresees the opening of new ore extraction fronts (minings) and areas for the disposal of waste rock and tailings in the Germano Complex. Committed to adopting new technologies, Samarco proposes to maintain the same current production model, without the use of tailings dams.
A report with the main results and conclusions, called the Environmental Impact Report (RIMA), was prepared in a didactic manner. This document is also included in the program of actions to avoid, compensate for, or minimize the mapped impacts.
The studies were filed in August 2022 with the Superintendency of Priority Projects (SUPPRI), the body responsible for licensing. The RIMA is public and available at the link below.
We emphasize that the studies demonstrate the viability of the project for the continuity of Samarco's operations.
Activities that will be licensed.
Disposal of sterile or inert and non-inert mining waste (class II-A and IIB, according to NBR 10.004) in mine pits, on a temporary or permanent basis, without the need for the construction of a containment dam (A-05-06-2), Waste/stainless rock piles - Iron ore (A-05-04-7), Conveyor belt outside the limits of mining projects (E-01-18-1), Sanitary sewage treatment plant (E-03-06-9), Retail stations, supply stations or points, retail system installations, floating fuel stations and aviation fuel retail stations (F-06-01-7), Water treatment plant for supply (E-03-04-2), Common concrete production plants (C-10-01-4).
On August 30, 2022, Samarco filed its respective report (RIMA) with the Superintendency of Priority Projects (SUPPRI), in accordance with the environmental licensing process and complying with current legislation. The document is public and has been made available for consultation in the municipalities.
Municipal Secretariat of the Environment
Convention Center - Praça JK, s/no - Centro | Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Municipality of Mariana
Protocol/Documentation and Archives Sector | Praça JK, s/n - Centro (lower floor, in front of the taxi stand)
Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 11 am and from 1 pm to 4:30 pm
Mariana City Hall
Rua Hélvio Moreira Moraes, 358 - Vila do Carmo | Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm
Sinhô Machado Municipal School
Santa Rita Durão District - Main Square - Santa Rita Durão | Monday to Friday, from 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM and from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM
VS Camargos Restaurant
Camargos District - Rua do Cruzeiro, 200 | Monday to Friday, from 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Municipal Secretariat of the Environment
Américo Lopes Square, 109 - Pilar | Monday to Friday, from 7 am to 6 pm
Municipality of Ouro Preto
Barão do Rio Branco Square, 12 - Pilar | Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm
Ouro Preto City Hall
Tiradentes Square, 41 - Downtown | Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm
CRAS Antônio Pereira
MG-129 Highway, km 130, near Vila Samarco | Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm
As previously mentioned, the studies for the continuity of our operations were conducted by external consulting firms composed of multidisciplinary teams, using the best available technologies to identify environmental and socioeconomic impacts, as well as to assess all safety aspects: a non-negotiable value for the company.
The project includes new mining areas, tailings disposal in the Alegria Sul 2 pit, two new tailings and waste rock piles, as well as their transport systems and support structures (construction site, administrative offices, access roads, among others). It also includes the expansion of the current Alegria Sul Waste Rock and Tailings Disposal System and the implementation of a new filtration plant.
To define the locations, alternatives were analyzed, and the one with the least impact was chosen.
See the infographic below for more details on the project.
Disposal of sterile or inert and non-inert mining waste (class II-A and IIB, according to NBR 10.004) in mine pits, on a temporary or permanent basis, without the need to construct a containment dam (A-05-06-2), Waste/stalled piles – Iron ore (A-05-04-7), Conveyor belt outside the limits of mining projects (E-01-18-1), Sanitary sewage treatment plant (E-03-06-9), Retail stations, supply stations or points, retail system installations, floating fuel stations and aviation fuel retail stations (F-06-01-7), Water treatment plant for supply (E-03-04-2), Common concrete production plants (C-10-01-4).
In this project, we will maintain the tailings filtration technology. As a result of this process, we dry stack 80% of the generated tailings and dispose of 20% in a confined pit, a safer structure. Check out our current production process in the video below.
The continuation of our operations reinforces our commitment to doing mining differently, with innovation, sustainability, safety, and sharing value with society.
For us, it is fundamental to listen to the people and communities that welcome us. Therefore, through active and present listening, we are always available to register suggestions, complaints, and clarify doubts.
Our Customer Service Center is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, either by email relacionamento@samarco.com or by phone 0800 033 8485.
Yes. The project includes a third filtration plant. The implementation of the first and second has already been authorized in the LOC – Corrective Operating License. The use of filtration in our process reinforces our commitment to a different, safer, and more sustainable mining approach.
We currently use the Alegria Sul pit for sludge disposal. The project for the continuity of operations foresees the Alegria Sul 2 pit, which is similar to the first and will be formed from mineral extraction and properly prepared for the future reception of the material. The pit is a confined space, which provides greater safety to the process.
Samarco's production capacity has already been licensed, and this project does not foresee an increase, but it allows the company to reach 100% through the expansion of mining areas and the disposal of waste rock and tailings. The company currently operates at 26% of its production capacity and, according to its plan, expects to reach 100% by 2028, gradually increasing its production and recovering existing assets safely. Samarco remains committed to adopting new technologies in pursuit of a different kind of mining.
The Project's Area of Influence is defined as the geographic area to be directly or indirectly affected by the environmental and socioeconomic impacts. Mariana and Ouro Preto are in the areas of direct influence, and Catas Altas in the area of indirect influence of this project, considering the mapped impacts.
It is estimated that the collection of ISS (Service Tax) will be maintained during the implementation phase, and that of the Financial Compensation for Mineral Exploration (CFEM) will continue during operation. From January 2021 to December 2022, Samarco contributed R$ 388.2 million to the municipalities of Mariana and Ouro Preto (ISSQN, CFEM, and ICMS).
Studies conducted by a multidisciplinary team of external consultants demonstrate that our Long-Term Project for Business Continuity fully complies with legislation and provides for the adoption of best practices and the development of specific programs throughout the implementation, operation, and closure of the structures. The studies therefore attest to the socio-environmental viability of the project. However, it is important to emphasize that socio-environmental viability considers the evaluation of environmental agencies, institutions, and civil society, culminating in the preparation of a single report and the voting on the license by the State Council for Environmental Policy - COPAM.
Press contacts - Journalists, Samarco's press office is available to receive your inquiries. If needed, please contact us by email at imprensa@samarco.com.
