Samarco has adopted a new mining model without using tailings dams since the rupture of their Fundão dam in 2015, focusing on safety and sustainability.
Samarco has transformed its mining processes following the catastrophic collapse of the Fundão dam in Mariana, MG, in 2015, which led to devastating environmental and human consequences. After resuming operations in 2020, the company implemented a new model that eliminates the use of tailings dams, opting instead for a safer and more sustainable approach to managing waste materials. This new method involves dry stacking of approximately 80% of the generated sandy tailings—composed mainly of iron ore, sand, and water—while the remaining 20% is deposited in the Alegria Sul pit.
The new process not only ensures that waste materials are managed more responsibly but also emphasizes resource efficiency. The water extracted during the filtering process is treated and reused in the production cycle, thereby minimizing the need for external water sourcing. Samarco is also actively investing in research and development to explore additional uses for the waste byproducts, including their potential as raw materials in other industrial processes, contributing to a more circular economy.
From 2020 to 2025, it is projected that around 22 million tons of sandy tailings produced by Samarco will be utilized in decharacterization projects, highlighting the company's commitment to mitigating the environmental impact of mining activities. This shift not only addresses regulatory and public concerns about mining safety but also positions Samarco as a leader in responsible mining practices in Brazil.
