Abstract
Mineração Paragominas, located in the state of Pará, Brazil, exemplifies a commitment to sustainability and environmental compliance, standing out through its certifications from the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) and ISO 14001. The ASI certification, achieved in 2019, reflects its commitment to social and environmental responsibility within the aluminum value chain. This certification was obtained in a context of increasing demand for sustainable production practices, addressing criteria such as labor practices, waste management, and efficient resource use.
Strengthening its commitment to sustainability, Mineração Paragominas achieved ISO 14001 certification in 2022, reinforcing an effective environmental management system. This standard aims not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to fulfill stakeholder expectations regarding sustainable practices. The process required the identification and evaluation of environmental aspects and impacts, the definition of environmental policies and objectives, and enhanced performance monitoring and continuous system review.
To promote continuous improvement, the company implements various actions, including regular internal and external audits that ensure compliance with standards and identify areas for improvement. Within the scope of internal audits, an in-house Audit Application was developed to provide dynamic guidance and thorough assessment of all regulatory requirements. This application is used simultaneously by all auditors, who have access to specific standard requirements related to the process under audit. Additionally, it includes requirement checks, audit progress percentages, and detailed report generation.
The audit process is monitored in real-time by lead auditors, optimizing data collection and resulting in more effective analyses. To ensure auditor proficiency, the company provides regular training to employees, ensuring they understand the requirements and know how to implement them in their daily activities.
The collection of feedback from employees and stakeholders, combined with the development of action plans, enables continuous evaluation of the management system. In this context, Mineração Paragominas invests in innovation, adopting advanced technologies and sustainable practices, such as the Tailings Dry Backfill technology. This patented method uses treated mining tailings to fill cavities, increasing process efficiency and minimizing environmental impacts.
To maintain these practices, the company continuously monitors its processes and practices, ensuring adherence to standard guidelines. Periodic reviews of the environmental management system, dedicated teams, and ASI governance keep the company aligned with industry best practices. The promotion of an organizational culture that values sustainability and compliance, combined with the adoption of environmentally responsible practices, fosters transparency and accountability, ensuring that Mineração Paragominas continues to be a benchmark in green mining.