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MRN Highlights Its Best Practices at Exposibram 2024: Ecological Restoration, Innovation, Community Relations, Business Rounds, and Promotion of Gender Equity.
MRN showcased its exemplary sustainable mining practices during Exposibram 2024. This event, held in Belo Horizonte (MG), brought to light MRN’s initiatives in reforestation and community engagement, marking a significant impact. The company was recognized for its contributions and innovation in the mining sector throughout the country.
Among the most praised aspects are the ecological restoration strategies developed by Mineração Rio do Norte, highlighting the importance of environmental preservation. The company has been a pioneer in implementing advanced technological solutions across various fronts, promoting practices that combine operational efficiency and social responsibility. Throughout the event, MRN also emphasized its approaches to strengthen community relations and promote gender equity in the industry.
MRN’s Journey in the Sustainable Mining Chain
With 45 years in the sustainable mining sector in the Amazon, Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN) participated in several activities, showcasing its experiences at one of the industry’s most important events. This event brought together experts, government representatives, and third sector organizations to discuss the current scenario and future trends in global mining. During Exposibram 2024, the company shared its success stories in the areas of reforestation, innovation, and relationship with local communities.
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MRN and Its Initiatives for Ecological Restoration
One of the highlights of MRN’s participation was the presentation of its initiatives for ecological restoration and reforestation in mined areas in the Amazon, which attracted the attention of attendees. Talita Godinho, an environmental analyst at MRN, was one of those responsible for highlighting the organization’s work in restoring over 7,500 hectares over four decades. Thanks to the company’s ability to produce over 1 million seedlings per year, using enhanced techniques and specific methods for the western region of Pará, where Mineração Rio do Norte is located, the work has been a true success.
‘This is a collaborative effort involving over 100 people, from seed collection in the communities to planting and monitoring. It is very rewarding to share our success story, and this is only possible thanks to the dedication of each person who makes MRN a reference in sustainability’, said Talita. Ana Paula Farias, an environmental analyst at the organization and a quilombola, also participated, highlighting the importance of these initiatives for the region. ‘Overseeing the entire reforestation process and conveying this information to the community is extremely gratifying. As a quilombola, we recognize the species that are significant for the region, especially medicinal ones’, she added.
Projects for the Community and Surrounding Environment
Claudia Belchior, manager of the Community Relations and Corporate Social Responsibility Department at MRN, shared the company’s experiences with Free Consultations, Pre-Consultations, held in two quilombola territories, and the implementation of a robust communication plan that involves over 60 riverside and rural communities, representative institutions, the press, and other stakeholders. The manager mentioned the challenges and learnings from the licensing process of the New Mines Project (PNM), which aims to extend MRN’s operations for another 15 years, highlighting the strengthening of dialogue with various communities and respect for environmental legislation that resulted in obtaining a preliminary license from Ibama in September.
‘It is crucial to discuss the project in an objective and transparent manner, addressing its impacts and contributions, and establishing active listening as a main pillar to build and strengthen trust with these communities. This is a continuous process, generating much knowledge for both parties’, Claudia said.
Innovation and Promotion of Equality
Daniel Maciel, legal manager of MRN, participated in the panel ‘Advances and Trends in Environmental Licensing Legislation’, where he brought the experience of Mineração Rio do Norte with the licensing of the PNM. The company also promoted business rounds at Exposibram 2024, seeking to strengthen partnerships that contribute to its sustainable development. In the field of innovation, the Ecoblock Factory project, led by Eliana Andrade, MRN’s innovation leader, was presented. This innovative project aims to reuse bauxite waste, standing out as a sustainable and innovative initiative in the region.
During Exposibram 2024, MRN had a special reason to celebrate. Rogério Junqueira, the company’s operations director, was honored at the 1st edition of the Mina Award, promoted by Women In Mining Brasil (WIM Brasil). He won in the ‘Allies in the Pursuit of Gender Equity‘ category, highlighting men who are committed to promoting equality in the mining sector. The award aims to promote gender equity in the sector, recognizing female leaders in operational and administrative roles, in addition to valuing men who stand out as allies in the pursuit of a more inclusive and just environment for all.
‘I was very surprised by the award and the recognition, I am extremely happy. I 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 inspired me. And I have sought to support women in mining because I understand that there are no differences, and I know that this is beneficial for everyone in the workplace’, concluded Rogério Junqueira, director of MRN.
Source: © tiago.furtado@temple.com.br
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