The company shared its actions in the areas of reforestation and community relations
MRN was the highlight of Exposibram 2024, held in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais State. With 45 years of sustainable mining in the Amazon, the company took part in various activities, where it shared its experiences at one of the biggest events in the sector, bringing together experts, government representatives and the third sector to discuss the current scenario and trends in global mining. The company presented successful cases in the areas of reforestation, innovation and community relations.
One of the topics addressed by the company, the presentation of ecological restoration and reforestation initiatives in mined-out areas in the Amazon, drew the attention of the audience. Talita Godinho, MRN's environmental analyst, was one of those responsible for the presentation and highlighted the company's reforestation works in more than 7,500 hectares over four decades. This work was developed due to the company's capacity to produce more than 1 million seedlings a year and the use of improved techniques specific to the western region of Pará State, where it is located. “This is a collaborative effort involving more than 100 people, from collecting seeds in the communities to planting and monitoring. Being able to share our successful case is very gratifying and is only possible thanks to the efforts of everyone who helps make MRN a benchmark in sustainability”, Talita said.
Ana Paula Farias, a Quilombola and environmental analyst at MRN, also took part in the presentation and emphasized the importance of the company's work for the region. “It's rewarding to follow this whole reforestation process and take this information into the community. As a Quilombola, we know what specimens are important for the region, for example, in medicinal matters. It is extremely important to monitor the production of quality seedlings and to know that we will be able to make use of this resource in the future.”
Claudia Belchior, manager of the company's Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility Department, presented MRN's experiences with the Free, Prior and Informed Consultations held in two Quilombola territories, as well as the implementation of a robust communication plan involving more than 60 riverside and rural communities, representative institutions, the press and others. She described the challenges and lessons learned from the licensing process for the New Mines Project (PNM), which aims to extend MRN's operating period for another 15 years, emphasizing the strengthening of dialogue with various communities and respect for environmental legislation. This work was fundamental to winning the preliminary license granted by Ibama in September. “It is essential to discuss the project that is being licensed in an objective and transparent way. Talking about impacts and contributions, and making active listening the main pillar in building and strengthening trust with these communities. This is an ongoing process that improves every day, generating a lot of knowledge for both parties”, Claudia stated.
Daniel Maciel, MRN's legal manager, took part in the panel “Advances and Trends in Environmental Licensing Legislation”, presenting MRN's experience with licensing the PNM. The company held business roundtables at Exposibram, seeking to strengthen partnerships that contribute to its sustainable development.
In the field of innovation, the Ecoblocks Factory project, led by Eliana Andrade, MRN's innovation leader, was presented on a panel at the Congress. This is an innovative initiative for the reuse of bauxite tailings in the region.
Recognition
During the Exposibram 2024, MRN had a special reason to celebrate. Rogério Junqueira, the company's Operations Director, was recognized in the 1st edition of the Mina Award, promoted by Women In Mining Brasil (WIM Brasil). He won the category “Allies in the quest for Gender Equality”, which highlighted men committed to promoting equality in the sector. This award was created to promote gender equality in the mining sector, recognizing female leaders in both operational and administrative roles, as well as valuing men who stand out as allies in the search for a more inclusive and fair environment for everyone.
“I was very surprised by the award and the recognition, I'm very happy. I'd like to thank WIM Brasil for the initiative. Since the beginning of my career in mining, I have always had the opportunity to work with very competent women who have inspired me. And I have tried to support women in mining because I understand that there are no differences, and I know that this is good for everyone in the workplace,” he said.