MRN's dams and tailings management system is the result of commitment and research by professionals engaged with safety, and it relies on more than R$80 million in investments.
In total, we operate 24 dams (ponds), which receive a mixture of water, sand and clay, without the addition of chemicals. Roughly 80% of the water used in bauxite washing is reused from the operational process and the waste water gradually evaporates, thus turning the tailings into a firm, solid-looking material.
Approximately 100 professionals manage the system. These professionals are guided and audited by national and international companies on routines and inspection, maintenance and prevention programs.
Factors that contribute to MRN structures being rated as low risk:
- Low pond wall height.
- Regular inspection, monitoring and maintenance, according to the legislation.
- Low grade topography in the region.
- Considerable distance from the Company’s structures to the neighboring populations - the nearest one is 23 km away.
- The final tailings are solid, not liquid.
The tailings from the bauxite beneficiation process are received in our dams system, located in a mined-out area to prevent new areas from being disturbed.
When the reservoirs reach their final capacity, tailings discharge is halted and they go through a decommissioning process, which involves run-off of rainwater and planting of native forest species in the region. All this is done so that the reclaimed areas look as close as possible to the natural scenery.
Click here and watch the video below to learn more about our structures