Document shows the actions taken for a safer and more sustainable mining
Samarco released, this Monday (Aug-08), the 2021 Sustainability Report that presents the results of the company's management, as well as internal and external actions developed in favor of a different, safer and sustainable mining, in addition to outlining the company's social, environmental and governance performance. The practices are aligned with the ESG (environment, society and governance) agenda, the Global Compact, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and the Charter of Commitment of the Brazilian Mining Institute (Ibram).
“We are a company aware of its role and responsibility. Our report provides a summary of indicators and projects that reflect what Samarco is and intends to be in its New Journey, aware of the need for transparency - which is crucial for us to be a respected organization, authorized by society to operate”, highlighted Rodrigo Vilela, Samarco’s CEO
Samarco maintains its commitment to transparency with society. Since resuming operations in December 2020, the company has reinforced its investment in new technologies, in the responsible use of natural resources and in encouraging good practices, focused on safety and principles such as respect for people. In 2021, Samarco launched the Statement of Commitment to Sustainability, structured around the pillars of governance and organizational culture, social relations, environment and safety and innovation.
The report
“The document aligns with our ESG challenges and strategies. The structure of the themes was defined according to the company's reality, aligned with the pillars of the statement and the materiality matrix. We are aware of our challenges in terms of management of structures and use of tailings, engagement with priority audiences and business continuity. When we talk about sustainability, we link this concept to the global aspects that connect the factors health and safety, environment and social responsibility”, highlighted the general manager of Sustainability, Daniel Medeiros.
The report shows a series of advances such as the use of approximately 1,500 pieces of equipment to monitor all geotechnical structures, the conclusion of the initial stage of studying new technologies for dewatering and disposal of tailings, investments of around BRL 7 million in social and institutional programs, more than BRL 1 million in donations to combat the impacts of the pandemic, a new system with 80% of the sandy tailings filtered for dry stacking and investments in the works to de-characterize the Germano dam and pit, now at an advanced stage.
Moreover, the electricity used has come from hydroelectric plants, partly self-generated and partly acquired through a traceable source. In other words, 100% from renewable sources. As a result, Samarco zeroed indirect greenhouse gas emissions related to energy purchases in 2021. For more details and other results click here.
Samarco
The company is a privately held company that started operations in 1977, a joint venture owned 50/50 by Vale and BHP. Headquartered in Belo Horizonte (MG), 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), which includes the mines and iron ore processing plants, and the Ubu Complex, in Anchieta (ES), where the pellet plants and port terminal are located. Its main product is iron ore pellets, the raw material for steel production in the steel industry.