Samarco, the Brazilian mining company, is gearing up for the third and final phase of its operational resumption, aiming to achieve full production capacity by 2028. This gradual return to operations began in 2020, five years after the catastrophic collapse of the Fundão dam in Mariana, Minas Gerais, which profoundly impacted the company's approach to mining. According to president Rodrigo Vilela, the lessons learned from this disaster have led the company to adopt a more responsible and sustainable mining model.

The shift towards a safer operational model includes moving away from the use of tailings dams, a significant change instituted shortly after the initial recovery phase when Samarco resumed only 26% of its total installed capacity. Vilela emphasizes that the decision to operate without tailings dams marks a critical turning point in Samarco's return to full operations. This transformation also involved implementing new technologies aimed at improving the treatment of mining waste and ensuring environmental safety.

In an interview, Vilela shared insights about the company's strategic decisions during this recovery period, reinforcing their commitment to safety and sustainability as guiding principles for the future. As the company approaches its full operational goals, scheduled for December 2024, there is a strong focus on ensuring that such a disaster does not happen again, highlighting the transformative impact of the Fundão disaster on the corporate ethos of Samarco.