Leo Melo CEO ALLONDA
Can you introduce us to Allonda in Brazil?
We are an environmental solutions company for the industry and infrastructure sectors, working across various industrial sectors such as mining, oil and gas, paper, sanitation, and more. Our goal is to support environmental solutions to achieve ESG targets. In Brazil, we operate nationwide, with significant operations in Goiás, Minas Gerais and Pará. We have a dedicated office in Belo Horizonte focusing on environmental solutions for mining. Our operations include water treatment, effluent management, and waste management, with around 600 employees dedicated to the mining sector. How has resource and water management evolved in Brazil's mining sector?
The environmental sector in mining has seen a significant transformation. There is a greater understanding of ecological solutions, not just to meet Brazilian legislation but also to obtain social licenses to operate. Mining companies are incorporating these considerations into their core business strategies. Mining must lead the way in climate adaptation and risk management. Today, mining companies are more proactive in transforming liabilities into assets or minimizing losses, driven by a structured approach to decarbonization and climate adaptation. There has been an industry-wide change in culture, with a proactive and preventative approach being adopted. Can you elaborate on Allonda's water management solutions for the mining sector?
We implemented a rainwater reuse plant in Vitória for Vale, reducing the environmental impact by treating rainwater before releasing it. We apply circular economy principles by reusing effluents and minimizing water consumption through advanced technological processes. This reduces the impact on natural resources and ensures more efficient resource utilization, which is essential for the mining sector facing climate variability.
Ricardo Camargo Partner ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (ERM)
Can you discuss ERM's services to clients in Brazil's mining sector?
We have a structured approach in the mining sector with several specialized teams. Our capital project delivery team conducts impact assessments, biodiversity studies, social performance evaluations, and cultural geoscience permitting. The sustainable operations team focuses on air quality management, ESG systems, carbon management, and water stewardship and transition to a nature positive future. We also address waste management and renewable energy projects, responding to the growing demand for decarbonization strategies and initiatives.
Our corporate sustainability and climate change team develops sustainable strategies for clients, including decarbonization efforts, climate risk assessments, and carbon inventories for reporting purposes. We also help clients structure their sustainability reports. Our liability portfolio team specializes in site investigations and remediation, including decommissioning, decontamination and demolition projects of industrial sites. They handle health and safety concerns through risk assessments for contaminated sites, focusing on potential risks to workers and future users. Moreover, with the increasing interest in critical minerals, we have a mergers and acquisitions team that offers transaction advisory services and post-transaction support. We are seeing significant activity in Brazil's lithium, copper, and rare earth elements, driven by the demand for critical minerals for battery production and energy transitions initiatives. What are the objectives for ERM in Brazil over the coming year?
In the next five years, Brazil's mining sector is expected to see an investment of approximately US$65 billion, driven by increasing global demand for critical minerals, particularly for batteries and decarbonization efforts. The fertilizer sector is also experiencing growth. ERM aims to collaborate with major companies that share similar values in ESG and sustainability, such as Anglo American, BHP, Vale, Glencore, CBMM and AngloGold Ashanti. The mining team at ERM is expanding to provide comprehensive services that meet clients' needs amid the ongoing energy transition. Key focus areas include conducting due diligence, adhering to international best practices, and implementing resettlement plans involving community engagement.