In the third year of its gradual resumption of operations, Samarco has received recognition for actions implemented in line with the purpose of performing mining differently.

The revision of its organizational culture, with a focus on respect for people and the environment, was reflected in the award from the Fundação Instituto de Administração (FIA) and the UOL portal: "Great Place to Work" (GPTW”), for the third consecutive year. In 2023, Samarco ranked 1st as the “Greatest in Leadership', and 1st as the ‘Greatest in the Mining, Metallurgy and Steel Industry’.

Among the initiatives responsible for promoting a healthier and more inclusive environment for employees and contractors is the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program. "We have made progress with affirmative action and we want to go further, expanding opportunities for minority groups such as black people, women, people with disabilities and LGBTI+," said CEO Rodrigo Vilela.

Vilela was recognized as an international entrepreneur with a focus on sustainability during SIPS 2023, the Sustainable Industrial Processes Conference, held in Panama. The CEO received the Yildrim International Entrepreneurship Award. At the event, he highlighted projects aimed at sustainable development, with a focus on innovation

The use of granite waste as a pellet coating for direct reduction reactors is one of the projects aimed at developing 100% sustainable inputs. The initiative won the "Vale - Agglomeration of Ores 2023" Technical Recognition Award during the 7th edition of ABM Week in August last year in São Paulo. Samarco has also pioneered the use of marble mining waste in its pellet production, in addition to limestone, thus reducing carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption.

"With planning, we are preparing for the future. Aware of the need to keep evolving. And we've integrated the sustainability strategy into our strategy map," said Rodrigo Vilela, noting that the company has also been certified by the gold seal of the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program for the second year running.

Also in 2023, Samarco was audited in July according to the requirements established by the Global Industry Standard for Tailings Management (GISTM) and obtained a result of 98% adherence to the 77 standards established, later reaching 100%. It is important to point out that this is the first global industry standard for tailings management, created in 2020 based on an initiative by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM).

In terms of the safety of geotechnical structures, another highlight last year was the decommissioning of the Germano Pit, even before the deadline agreed with the authorities. It should be mentioned that the Germano dam is already in an advanced decommissioning (decharacterization) process and that all the company's structures are monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by the Monitoring and Inspection Center, which has more than 2,000 items of equipment and is internationally recognized.

Also in 2023, the company was at the forefront of important innovation initiatives in the industry. Among these is the Mining Hub, led by Samarco's innovation leader Alessandra Prata, which is the world's first mining hub, with 38 members: 22 mining companies and 16 suppliers.

Humanized management, focused on people

Samarco's General Manager of Human and Organizational Development, Vera Lucia, was elected HR Professional of the Year in Minas Gerais at the Brazilian Human Resources Association's (ABRH) Ser Humano Awards in 2023, and was also recognized as the most admired HR manager in the Southeast region by the HR Management Group. "Our management focuses on people. These recognitions show us that we are on the right track with the adoption of good practices for valuing people, with actions that also have an impact on relationships outside the organization," said Vera, recalling that the Mental Health Program, developed to strengthen psychological care, was also recognized in the HSEC award promoted by BHP in Australia.

Last year consolidated Samarco's safe and gradual resumption of operations, which began in 2020, and is currently at 30% of its production capacity. The company plans to reach 60% of its capacity in 2025 and 100% in 2028. "The results and recognition reflect our continuous effort to perform mining differently. We remain committed and intend to make increasing progress in our relations with society, above all by sharing value with the territories that host us. We want to regain the trust of the community that welcomes us," said Rodrigo Vilela.

Entrance gate to the Germano Complex in Mariana (MG) - Photo: Published by Samarco