The company will produce 7.7 million tons by Dec-31 and has returned to supplying the main steel producers in the foreign market

This Thursday (16/12), Samarco presented the balance of production after the first year of integrated operational resumption at the Germano units, in Minas Gerais, and Ubu, in Espírito Santo, using a new tailings disposal system. The company produced a total of 7.5 million tons of iron ore pellets. Until Dec-31, the forecast is that production will reach 7.7 million tons, which corresponds to 26% of the capacity.

Samarco serves the domestic and foreign markets, and its products are directed to the main steel producers in America, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). 71 shipments were made in the period. Asia, the main destination for Brazilian iron ore, accounts for 36% of the company's total exports, followed by MENA (22%), the Americas (22%) and Europe (20%).

In the evaluation of the CEO Rodrigo Vilela, the company reinserted itself in the market in 2021, maintaining a well-balanced distribution of volume and delivering a quality product to its customers.

“We once again supply a product with a high iron content, above 65%, recognized by our customers. Our pellets are intended for the global steel market to supply the main steel producers. We produce within our production goal and we confirm that it is possible to do different mining, supported by new technologies, in a sustainable way, in line with the principles of safety and respect for people and the environment", which also stressed the company's commitment to sustainability as a guideline for growth, according to the Declaration and Sustainability Report released this year.

The CEO also highlighted that the first year of recovery is also marked by operational stability, and that the company is continuously studying alternatives that can safely anticipate the recovery of 100% of operating capacity.

Contribution to development

With the resumption of production, Samarco expands its contribution to the municipal economies, in the States of Espírito Santo and Minas Gerais, and in Brazil. From January to November, the taxes generated add up to approximately BRL 1 billion. "We were able to contribute positively to the municipalities that receive us by generating taxes, purchasing goods, services and materials, promoting the value chain and also maintaining numerous jobs," said Vilela. Currently, Samarco directly employs 1,450 people in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, and has a base of 3,000 active suppliers.

Challenges

The year was also marked by major challenges such as ensuring the safety of its employees amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and conducting the judicial reorganization process in order to preserve and maintain its activities, the jobs generated and the company's social function. Moreover, remediation and compensation actions related to the collapse of the Fundão dam are ongoing. So far, more than 336,000 people have already been compensated, more than BRL 17.40 billion have been earmarked for the actions by Renova Foundation.

“We are continually working to restore our trusting relationships and demonstrate that it is possible to do different mining. The resumption consolidated the lessons learned in recent years and represents a new organizational cycle for Samarco, more mature to move forward and share value with society, without ever forgetting the impacts caused and the commitment to redress", stated the CEO Rodrigo Vilela.