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The event brought together various sectors of the company and consolidated partnerships with suppliers, employees and the communit

Last week, Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN) held another edition of the Excellence Week. The main objective of the event was to strengthen knowledge, promote integration between the various areas of the company, suppliers and stimulate creativity and innovation, fundamental elements for the continuous improvement of MRN's operations, as part of the event is the Internal Week for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents in Mining (SIPATMIN). 

During the event, there were talks to raise awareness of safety at work and the environment, fun activities, product and service exhibitions, as well as theatrical performances and interactive spaces at the Excellence Fair. The event involved not only the company's employees, but also the local community, reinforcing MRN's commitment to sustainable development and social inclusion. 

The event included an award ceremony for the teams that presented the Quality Control Circles (QCC) projects, made up of MRN employees. These groups stood out for their active participation in the event by contributing innovative ideas and projects to the mining company's operational processes. The CCQs initiative aims to encourage collaboration and problem-solving in order to improve process efficiency, safety at work, environmental actions, cost optimization and greater productivity. 

One of such highlights, recognized by the event organizers, was the optimization of the work involved in cleaning the ore screening screens. This work involved around 6 people and took around 6 hours to complete. Ariclevea Coelho Ferreira, technical manager at the beneficiation plant, was part of the team recognized at the Excellence Week and pointed out that the project created by the team managed to reduce service time by up to 1 hour and involved only 2 people. The measure made it possible to optimize services and send MRN employees to other work networks. 

“We've managed to optimize the workforce and take employees out of the firing line. This gives the team great pride and motivation. That's what CCQ is all about: looking at your area and seeing what can be improved in our routine. Our goal was to reduce service time by up to 50%, but we managed to reduce it by 83% and that's very gratifying. If we hadn't won, we'd still be champions, but with this recognition we feel that it was worth taking part in the Excellence Week and this motivates us even more. I can only thank MRN,” said Auriclevea. 

Wvagno Ferreira, manager of MRN's Performance and Risks area, is one of the creators of this initiative, which began in 2017. For him, the Excellence Week values the talent of employees, while further consolidating ties with communities and building a collective process of innovation and development in the region. “The Excellence Week offers participants an opportunity for professional growth and the recognition provides greater engagement and strengthens the company, the safety in its activities and the environment in which we operate,” he said. 

Raising awareness

Throughout the week, the event also featured lectures on current topics, such as “The Importance of Awareness and Prevention of Domestic Violence: Strategies for Support and Intervention”, given by the Faro City Prosecutor, Osvaldino Lima de Sousa, and the Faro Police Chief, Renan Dantas. MRN addressed the issue at the event to raise awareness among employees, enabling them to identify risk situations and offer support to victims, contributing to building a more equal society. 

“Unfortunately, Brazil is still a sexist country and, in the northern region, this is even stronger. It is of the utmost importance to make everyone aware of equality, especially men and fathers,” said Prosecutor Osvaldino de Sousa. Police Chief Renan Dantas took the opportunity to advise those present on the appropriate channels for reporting the crime of domestic violence. “This is a very timely issue and one that is very present in society. Given that MRN is a giant company, it is important to make everyone aware of domestic violence and the consequences of this act. It is of fundamental importance to know the details of this legislation and the Maria da Penha Act,” he added.

Developed by MRN, the Quilombo Project offers primary services to the most remote locations in western Pará

The Quilombo Project, developed by Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN) in partnership with the Vale do Trombetas Foundation, continues to promote well-being among residents of Quilombola communities in the western region of Pará State. The initiative, which offers primary healthcare services in remote locations, is an important ally for access to quality medical care for people living in isolated areas of the municipality of Oriximiná. 

In recent weeks, the project's medical team has been in communities such as Abuí, Tapagem and Sagrado Coração de Jesus, providing comprehensive care, including medical consultations, laboratory tests, distribution of medicines and even social assistance. 

Domitilo Xavier, a resident of the Tapagem community, highlights the importance of the project. “We think they're doing a very important service for us. I was born and brought up here and things are difficult and now, with this project, we've been well looked after. My grandson was burning up with fever and I went there for a consultation with a physician”, he commented. 

Maria Adão, 71, a resident of the Abuí Community, celebrated the end of her long journeys to seek medical care in the city center. “Since I took part in the Quilombo Project, thanks to my good Lord, I've never been to Oriximiná again. I hope this project never abandons our community because the nurses treat us with great care,” she said. 

The convenience and speed of the service were also highlighted by Maria de Nazaré Colé, a resident of the Tapagem community, which was served by the itinerant project. “Many of the questions we had sometimes had to go to Porto Trombetas or Oriximiná and now we can wait at home and solve the problem right here,” she said. 

Pharmacist Monique Alves is one of the professionals in the multidisciplinary team that participates in the Quilombo Project and explains that the team tries to adapt the treatments to the reality of the communities and to the traditional knowledge that exists in the region. “When we work in a hospital, we listen to the patient's complaints, we treat them and they go home. Here, we can understand what the problem is within the environment and adapt it to their reality. We're in a remote place and often the people of the Amazon and the communities follow more natural medicine. Not only do we allow them to use the medications we recommend, but we tell them not to neglect their culture. This makes the patient better at adhering to treatment”, she stated. 

Fábio Goulart de Oliveira, the Quilombo Project's pharmacy services coordinator, highlights the importance of the initiative for health professionals. “Providing these services is very enriching as a health professional. It's a unique experience. Offering these services to the population is rewarding, but also a challenge because we explore the full potential of what we learned at university,” he said. 

Developed over 20 years ago, the Quilombo Project is a benchmark in medical care for the residents. This project is part of MRN's Socio-Environmental Education Program, in compliance with IBAMA (Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources) requirements. Throughout its history, the Project has collected accolades and awards, such as the one presented in 2022 by the Brazilian Association of International Peace Forces of the United Nations (ABFIP ONU), in recognition of its work with the Quilombola and riverside peoples in the region.

“We are always seeking to improve our services in order to provide an increasingly complete service to the communities. That's why we've expanded the project to include exams, social services and consultations with specialists in order to improve residents' quality of life,” explained Lenilton Santos de Jesus, MRN's Community Relations Analyst.

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 1^st 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.

The company presents the main results achieved in the production, environmental and social areas 

In its 45^th anniversary year, Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN), based in the industrial district of Porto Trombetas, in the municipality of Oriximiná, in the west of Pará State, has just released its 2023 Sustainability Report. Now available in our site, the document provides a complete overview of the initiatives and results achieved over the past year, underlining the goal of being a benchmark for operational excellence, sustainability and social responsibility. 

“The initiatives and results we present therein reveal something that has been with us since the first lines of our journey, back in 1979: a commitment to sustainability. Attitudes that are part of a culture driven by the virtuous cycle of the Amazon, where one action sustains another, building a responsible present and a positive legacy for the future”, said Guido Germani, MRN's CEO. 

In 2023, the company maintained a robust production pace, with more than 12 million tons of bauxite, supplying both the domestic market and international markets, including America, Europe and Asia. 

Preserving and respecting biodiversity 

The rescue and conservation of Amazonian biodiversity continues to be a priority for MRN. Last year, 13,592 specimens of wild wildlife were rescued and returned to their natural habitat, while 16,563 plant specimens were saved. The company also invested in the recovery of mined-out areas by using 4,893kg of seeds acquired from riverside and Quilombola communities. In total, 410,758 seedlings were produced at the company's Nursery, 49,491 of which being of endangered, protected or vulnerable species. Reforestation was conducted on 318.8 hectares, with the planting of 394,512 seedlings of 98 native species, in a joint effort involving the participation of 60 local communities. 

Inclusion and diversity

Around 76% of MRN's employees come from municipalities in the western region of Pará State, thus underscoring its commitment to local development. And in order to have an increasingly inclusive workforce, the “MRN for Everyone” program has made important progress, such as increasing the representation of women and Quilombola people in the workforce. The number of women has risen to 10.5% and the number of Quilombola has gone up to 5.3%.

In 2023, MRN created specific talent banks for women and young apprentices, and invested in awareness-raising events concerning diversity, equity and inclusion. One of these is the “Lidera Mulher” [Leading Women] program, which empowers and trains women to take on leadership positions. The project has trained 600 women in the region. 

Respect for employees has ensured MRN's presence on the list of the five best companies to work for in the northern region of Brazil for the third time in a row, according to the Great Place to Work (GPTW) ranking. In the Industry category, it ranks among the 50 best companies to work for in the country. 

Socio-economic development as a legacy 

In 2023, MRN developed several social responsibility initiatives that bolstered the well-being and guaranteed the rights of neighboring communities. These actions reflect the company's commitment to improving its social performance, strengthening dialog and promoting sustainable development in the region. Throughout the year, the company invested around R$49.6 million in social and environmental programs and projects in the areas of education, culture, health, safety, the environment and income generation. 

A significant example of this commitment is the Higher Education Support Program (PAES), which offers scholarships with financial aid. Kathe Santos, a pedagogy student at the Federal University of Western Pará (UFOPA), is a beneficiary of this program. She said: “As a woman, black and Quilombola student, I have experienced the changes that higher education has brought to my life. The program's support was essential for me to stay at university and, consequently, to change my life through education.” 

MRN's work was structured on three main fronts: 

1. Community Relations: Engagement with local residents and entities.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility: Building collaborative projects for local and regional development.
3. Licensing and Socioenvironmental Management: Responsible action with consultation with, and listening to, communities. 

Maria do Socorro Pereira, a resident of Lago Batata and participant in the Agroforestry Systems Project (SAFs), has also benefited from MRN's activities. The project aims for sustainable development and entrepreneurial autonomy, combining traditional knowledge with the opportunities offered by MRN. Maria commented: “We've been learning new things. I've learned how to make grafts at the nursery I have, growing healthy plants that are already bearing fruit in just a few days.” 

According to Vladimir Moreira, MRN's Sustainability and Legal Director, the 2023 Sustainability Report not only presents the company's results, but also demonstrates that it is possible to achieve sustainable development in the Amazon with respect, dialog and transparency. “Mining is constantly evolving and it is crucial to be aware of the challenges that arise. We believe it is possible to balance our operations with social responsibility, building legitimate partnerships that generate value for everyone. The Sustainability Report underscores our commitment to social, environmental and governance actions, adopting the company's ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) culture,” Vladimir said.

The company will share its actions in the area of reforestation and community relations through sustainable mining 

Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN) is making final preparations for its participation in Exposibram 2024, which starts this Monday (09) in Belo Horizonte (MG). The event, one of the largest in the sector, brings together renowned experts, representatives of the productive sector, the government and the third sector to discuss the current scenario and trends in world mining. In its 45 years of sustainable mining in the Amazon, MRN will be featured in various sessions, panels and business roundtables, where it will share its learnings with the audience. 

The company's first appearance at the event will be a technical talk on “Free, Prior and Informed Consultation: MRN's lessons learned from Quilombola communities in the Amazon”. Presented by Claudia Cristina, manager of the company's Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility Department, the talk will focus on MRN's interactions with quilombola communities in the Amazon and the company's role in engaging residents in an environment of collaboration, respect, diversity and inclusion, which is essential for local development. 

" This year, I will have the honor of participating in Exposibram as a speaker, representing MRN along with other great professionals. I'm going to talk about our experience with Free, Prior and Informed Consultation in our licensing process for the New Mines Project, an operational continuity project, which recently received its Preliminary License from Ibama. It was an important and challenging learning experience, which involved many areas of the company as well as Community Relations,” Claudia commented. 

Another highlight of MRN's participation in Exposibram will be the presentation of its initiatives in the area of ecological restoration and reforestation in mined-out areas. With the theme “Ecological restoration in the Amazon: a success story for MRN”, the company's environmental analyst, Talita Godinho, will share the company's experiences over four decades of operations in the Amazon, highlighting the more than 7,500 reforested hectares. “We'll highlight the practices adopted in the region and the approaches that add great expertise to reforestation in the Amazon environment,” Talita said. 

In addition to the technical talks, MRN will also be present at the congresses. Eliane Andrade, the company's innovation leader, will present the “Eco-block Factory Project using MRN's bauxite tailings”. The initiative aims to produce eco-blocks from ore tailings. The company's general legal manager, Daniel Maciel, will discuss “Advances and Trends in Environmental Licensing Legislation”. 

MRN will also take part in the Business Roundtable seeking to identify new partnerships and strengthen existing ones, evaluating suppliers that add value to sustainable development in the Amazon. “Exposibram is an event of great importance for our business strategies, especially in the context of networking, innovation and strengthening our supplier base,” commented Diogo Cavalcante, Supply Chain General Manager at MRN. 

Event

EXPOSIBRAM 2024

Date: 09/09 to 12/09
Venue: EXPOMINAS BH: Av. Amazonas, 6200, Gameleira – Belo Horizonte – MG

The concession attests to the company's commitment to sustainable mining in the Amazon 

Last week, after holding public hearings, forums and dialogs with stakeholders, including directly interfacing communities, Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN) obtained the Preliminary License (LP) from the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) for the New Mines Project (PNM), an operational continuity project in the western region of Pará State. The concession reinforces the company's commitment to sustainable mining practices in the Amazon and its ongoing involvement with local communities, as well as attesting to the excellence of its operations. 

The approval of the PL and the future completion of the project's licensing phase will allow MRN to make investments amounting to R$ 5 billion over the next five years, extending the mine's service life by another 15 years, from 2027 to 2042 while adding more sustainability to the aluminum chain, which is used on a large scale for essential segments such as energy, transport, construction, packaging, among others. The PNM will enable bauxite mining on five new plateaus: Rebolado, Escalante, Jamari, Barone and Cruz Alta Leste, covering the municipalities of Oriximiná, Terra Santa and Faro. 

The project will be essential for the company to continue its average production of 12.5 million tons of bauxite per year. “The New Mines Project represents a significant step for MRN and for the region. With this investment, we can continue to supply high quality bauxite, while promoting sustainability and local development. Something that is non-negotiable for everyone who is part of the company,” said Leonardo Paiva, MRN's Project Implementation Director. 

MRN's Sustainability and Legal Director, Vladimir Moreira, commented on the importance of the Preliminary License. “The granting of this license demonstrates the regulatory agencies' recognition of our dedication to sustainable mining in the Amazon. In addition to building a legacy for the region, we intend to promote practices that are increasingly aligned with good corporate, environmental and social governance.” 

Background 

The process for the PNM's Preliminary License began with MRN's request for environmental licensing to the project and an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) prepared by an independent consultancy. As part of the licensing process, public hearings were held in the three municipalities at the interface of the PNM, in order to have a broad hearing on the project, clarifying doubts and collecting suggestions from participants. The Quilombola Component Study (ECQ) was also produced, which assessed the environmental and socio-territorial impacts for the communities of Boa Vista and Alto Trombetas II. 

All these steps were analyzed by Ibama, the licensing agency for the project, and by the National Institute for Colonization and Agrarian Reform (INCRA), the intervening agency responsible for approving the ECQ. To make this study a reality, Free, Prior and Informed Consultation was carried out along the lines of Convention 169 of the International Labor Organization (ILO) as part of the licensing process in Brazil. The ECQ enabled social dialog and active listening in the quilombola territories at the interface of the PNM, thus assuring the broad participation of the communities in the project and in the identification of its impacts. 

According to Guido Germani, MRN's CEO, the PNM is essential for the company to continue operating and for thousands of jobs to be maintained. “Furthermore, we will be able to continue investing in biodiversity conservation projects in the region, as well as in numerous socio-economic and corporate social responsibility actions in partnership with neighboring municipalities and communities. We celebrate this milestone of the PNM Preliminary License and we will continue with the other licensing stages with the competent bodies, respecting sustainability and the history of each one of us who make up MRN,” he said.

Following Ibama's issuance of the PL, MRN is now moving on to a new stage, which consists of drafting the Environmental Management Plan (PGA) and the Quilombola Basic Plan (PBAQ) with the communities of the Boa Vista and Alto Trombetas II Territories, which seeks to prevent, mitigate and compensate for the impacts identified in the Quilombola Component Study. The construction and validation of the PGA and PBAQ will be essential for obtaining the Installation License, the timetable for which is scheduled for early 2025.