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Gerdau SA pledges $666.64m investment in sustainable mining towards higher iron ore output and lower emissions
Gerdau SA, the Brazilian steel producer, announced this week a significant investment of 3.2 billion reais (around $666.64 million) towards the development of a novel sustainable mining platform. Located in the state of Minas Gerais, the platform will not only enhance the company’s iron ore output but also contribute to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The new venture is expected to increase the production capacity of the Miguel Burnier mine to 5.5 million metric tons of iron ore annually. Gerdau SA projects the platform to be fully operational by the end of 2025, reflecting its commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable mining practices.
A highlight of the innovative platform is its adoption of the dry stacking method for the disposal of all mining tailings. This procedure bypasses the need for a dam, representing a key step forward in environmentally-conscious mining operations.
Gustavo Werneck, CEO of Gerdau, underlined the importance of this initiative for the company’s broader environmental strategy. “This new sustainable mining platform is also an important initiative in reducing our greenhouse gas emissions since we will have high-quality ore,” he stated.
The company intends to utilise the iron ore extracted from the new platform across four steel production units, also situated within the Minas Gerais state. This integration ensures efficient operations and aligns with Gerdau’s overarching objective of prioritising sustainable practices in its production processes.
The considerable investment reflects Gerdau’s strategic focus on enhancing productivity while simultaneously addressing environmental concerns. It emphasises the steelmaker’s commitment to driving industrial growth that is not only economically viable but also environmentally responsible.
As Gerdau forges ahead with this ambitious project, it paves the way for an eco-friendly future in the mining and steel production sectors, reinforcing the importance of sustainability in industrial practices.
