Initiative contributes to the advancement of the process of deactivating the structure with circular mining practices

Samarco used more than 3 million tons of sandy tailings generated at the Germano Complex, in Mariana (MG), in the decharacterization works of the Germano Dam and Vale do Fundão, between January and October of this year. The use represents more than 55% of the total material produced, helping to make the dam deactivation process more sustainable, in addition to contributing to increasing the useful life of the current disposal structures, such as the Alegria Sul Overburden and Tailings Disposal Pile (PDER).

According to Eduardo Moreira, General Manager of Project Execution, the sandy tailings have the necessary characteristics to be used safely in construction projects. “It is a homogeneous material, which makes it easier to handle, and its geotechnical characteristics meet the project’s assumptions and criteria. By using it this way, we can efficiently dispose of the material and avoid the purchase and transportation of new inputs, such as sand and stone. There are several benefits in terms of circularity and sustainability,” he explains.

The sandy tailings are used in a stage of the decharacterization process that eliminates the accumulation of water inside the dam’s reservoir. It serves as a base material for correcting the topographical grade, that is, it helps direct the flow of water to the drainage system, thus facilitating the elimination of excess water. In addition, it is also used to reinforce structures. The decharacterization works at the Germano Dam are at an advanced stage, with 87.3% of the interventions completed.

Samarco also applied this strategy of using sandy tailings in the decharacterization of the Germano Mine, which was completed in July of last year, ahead of schedule. The initiative is aligned with the concept of circularity, seeking to ensure that material is continually reused, reducing waste and making the most of available resources. For the coming years, the expectation is to continue using a large part of the sandy tailings in the decharacterization works of the dam and to protect other structures in the Germano Complex.

Samarco's Innovation Expert, Marcos Gomes Vieira, points out that the company is developing other projects to expand the use of sandy tailings, including its application as a raw material in the manufacture of concrete, and to use ultrafine tailings (slimes) in ecological paving. “In addition to providing alternative disposals for the tailings, we are working on improvements in the processes that increase the efficiency of the processing plants and help reduce the generation of tailings,” adds Vieira.

For Samarco's Sustainability Coordinator, Denise Peixoto, in addition to the significant technical and environmental results, research and development in the use of tailings and their application in the aforementioned initiatives also have positive local social impacts.

“Reducing the need for consumption of new funds optimizes logistics by minimizing the volume of large-scale traffic in the region. And it reinforces the company's commitment, especially to neighboring communities and mining municipalities, to ensure proper disposal and increase ways of valuing tailings by investing in innovation and encouraging the circular economy, such as its integration into other production chains and business activities,” she highlighted.

The use of tailings is also an opportunity to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to industry, innovation and sustainable production.