Today, approximately 60% of the areas mined in Brazil for bauxite
extraction are recovered, most of them with native vegetation. Thus,
the mining industry promotes the temporary utilization of the soil,
returning it after recovery, to the environment.
Mining techniques,
essential to recover the soil after extraction, are continuously
improved. The soil muck layer, removed during the mining process,
is used during the site's recovery, respecting the original topography's layout.
Companies develop their own planting programs to recover the vegetation, with
nurseries for the production of seedlings, mostly with native species. The
goal is to restore the local biodiversity to the best possible level. It is
important to emphasize that the Brazilian aluminum industry does not have
any activity in areas occupied by native populations.
In addition, there is
extreme care with areas designed for the disposal of wastes and their
reutilization. In order to secure the protection of water sources, sludge
lakes are internally lined with clay and PVC, thus preventing solid waste
coming from alumina refineries to reach the surface and underground water.
Also, water tables and surface drainage are continuously monitored. Ore washing
does not use chemicals, and their waste can be decanted in dams or in the
caves where the ore was extracted, releasing clean water.
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