CBA and UFV carry out water stewardship projects in the region

Hydrological Studies Program is carried out in mining areas in Zona da Mata Mineira for environmental preservation   Water stewardship is a prominent focus in one of the technology research and development fields of Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA), in partnership with the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV), a renowned institution for teaching and research in environmental topics associated with field production. Both institutions are conducting the Hydrological Studies Program in mining areas in the Zona da Mata Mineira region. The research involves monitoring local springs to assess the influence of mining activities on water quality, quantity and soil runoff.   The results found that CBA's mining practices positively contribute to the region's hydrological processes, as observed in soil runoff before and after mining activities. Now in its eighth year of monitoring, scientific research continues to show a significant reduction in surface runoff from rainfall, significantly favoring water infiltration into the soil.   Infiltration is the process by which water enters the surface layer of the soil, moving through the pores in the ground.  Over time, using the soil for agricultural production leads to compaction of these pores, reducing water movement and consequently decreasing infiltration while increasing surface runoff.   According to the results, the average infiltration capacity is 309 mm/h in rehabilitated post-mining areas compared to 148 mm/h in non-mined areas. Reclaimed land had an average water repellency of 1.5%, compared to 6.2% in undisturbed land. The data shows an increase in water infiltration and a reduction in repellency in rehabilitated post-mining areas. Soil water repellency is a physical phenomenon whereby water cannot penetrate or has difficulty penetrating the soil surface. In short, due to its soil aeration and green organic fertilization processes, mining has contributed to a more than 400% increase in soil moisture capacity.   In the monitoring studies of springs, ten sources were selected for monitoring, located in the cities of Miraí, Muriaé, Rosário da Limeira and São Sebastião da Vargem Alegre.  The aim is to study headwater basins containing bauxite ore bodies within their drainage areas, comparing the periods before and after bauxite mining. The initiative involves the partnership of rural producers who own the study areas.  So far, the initial results show that on average the minimum flow rate of seven springs during the dry season was 0.3 liters/second, while the maximum flow rate was 8.5 liters/second. The studies and monitoring have been conducted for nearly three years in unmined areas containing bauxite, and will continue through the mining and environmental rehabilitation phases. Lecturer Herly Carlos Teixeira Dias from UFV’s Forest Engineering Department emphasizes the benefits of spring studies for the region. "It is important to highlight that the initial results already indicate a significant variation in flow throughout the year, according to the current land use without mining activities.  However, as we have observed that mining makes the soil more porous, there is a clear indication that post-mining flows in the same springs will be more regular, making the springs more productive. In other words, mining activities favor water recharge in the soil of the catchments," he states.   "Each action under the program is closely monitored by the landowners, UFV researchers and CBA technicians. The analyses contribute to understanding the water dynamics and its relation to mining and rehabilitation processes, fostering and guiding future actions of the company and the university in the sustainability field," adds the lecturer.   Based on the observations, CBA and UFV provide rural landowners with information about good agricultural production practices, the importance of spring preservation and the benefits of environmental rehabilitation in mined areas. "The results confirm that mining activities are carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner. We collaborate with UFV, leaving a positive legacy for the communities where we operate and also for science, with open publications that serve as a benchmark for the mining and environmental sectors," emphasizes Christian Fonseca de Andrade, the manager of CBA mines in Zona da Mata Mineira.  Historical partnership Since 2008, CBA has been enhancing its environmental rehabilitation model, which has helped establish a new relationship between mining, farming and the environment. The technology development and studies have been carried out through a continuous 15-year collaboration with UFV, focusing on three research areas:  Environmental Rehabilitation (Soil), Forest Restoration and Water Conservation (Forest Hydrology).  About CBA Founded in 1955, Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio - CBA is a vertically integrated producer, from cradle to gate, including recycling. Able to generate 100% of energy consumed from renewable sources, CBA provides sustainable solutions for the packaging, transportation, automotive, civil construction, energy and consumer goods sectors, as well as leading the recycling of industrial aluminum scrap. Following its flotation in 2021 (CBAV3), it became the first Company in its segment to be traded on B3 and entered the portfolio of B3ISE - Corporate Sustainability Index in the first year it was eligible to do so. With net revenue of R$ 8.4 billion in 2021 and R$ 1.5 billion in adjusted EBITDA in the period, CBA is committed to guaranteeing a supply of low-carbon aluminum in partnership with stakeholders, developing communities in its geographies and conserving biodiversity. Would you like to know more? Go to www.ri.cba.com.br.  Press Office – Ideia Comunicação Empresarial Ângelo Franco – [email protected] | (31) 9.8435-9237 Josiane Souza - [email protected] | (31) 9.8417-3130