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Environmental Innovation in Zinc Oxide Production
Nexa Resources, a leading company in the mining and metallurgy sector, announces a significant advancement in its sustainability practices with the acquisition of 10,000 tons of bio-oil from Aperam BioEnergia. This strategic move aims to replace fossil fuels in zinc oxide production at its Três Marias (MG) facility, promoting a considerable annual reduction in CO2 emissions.
Pioneering Renewable Energies
The acquisition of bio-oil, a byproduct of renewable forest charcoal production, is a milestone in Nexa’s journey toward a greener future. The use of this biofuel in 12 zinc oxide production furnaces represents not only a sustainable alternative but also a major step towards renewable energies and the decarbonization of the steel industry.
A Strategic Partnership
Paulo Nogueira, general manager of Nexa’s Três Marias unit, emphasizes the importance of this partnership in achieving the company’s decarbonization goals. With the use of bio-oil, Nexa positions itself as a zinc producer with one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. The company plans to expand the application of the biofuel to 47 furnaces, aiming for a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and an increase in the use of renewable resources.
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China occupies the desert with a 2 GW solar power plant in Inner Mongolia, installs elevated panels that create shade and humidity over the sand, and transforms a 2.96 billion kWh per year farm into an unexpected weapon against desertification.
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Saudi Arabia is building in Oxagon a US$ 8.4 billion mega green hydrogen plant with 4 GW of solar and wind energy, 5.6 million solar panels, and capacity to produce 600 tons per day, transforming the desert into one of the planet’s largest clean fuel factories.
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Germany and Denmark will transform Bornholm into a Baltic power island, connecting 3 GW of offshore wind power to the grids of the two countries via submarine cables and turning a real island into an international energy hub.
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Brazil discovers natural hydrogen in four states and enters the silent race that could redraw the energy transition: Petrobras has already invested R$ 20 million in studies.
Bio-Oil: A Sustainable Alternative
Developed in collaboration with Aperam BioEnergia and startup WXO Custom Process Engineering, bio-oil is an innovative product that replaces fossil fuels in industrial processes. With 100% plant-based and renewable origins, bio-oil has been tested since 2017, proving to be an effective and eco-friendly solution. Benone Braga from Aperam BioEnergia highlights the success of the partnership, emphasizing the acceptance of bio-oil in the market and its contribution to industrial sustainability.
Nexa Resources: A Leader in Sustainability
Nexa Resources, operating for over 65 years, is recognized for its extremely low carbon footprint in zinc, copper, and lead production. The company, with operations in Brazil, Peru, and an office in Luxembourg, is committed to sustainable mining, innovation, and respect for the environment, having its shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 2017.
Aperam: Innovation and Sustainability in Steel
Aperam, a global giant in stainless, electrical, and specialty steels, stands out for its sustainable production. With a production capacity of 2.5 million tons annually and operations in various countries, Aperam combines innovation and sustainability, using biomass and steel scrap in its processes. Aperam BioEnergia, part of the group, sustainably produces charcoal and significantly contributes to environmental balance.
Conclusion: Toward a Greener Future
The partnership between Nexa Resources and Aperam BioEnergia marks a significant advancement in the mining and metallurgy industry, focusing on sustainability and innovation. The adoption of bio-oil in Nexa’s operations will not only reduce CO2 emissions but also reinforce the company’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future in the sector.
Source: Henrique Rodrigues Alves.
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