Cedro and Gás Verde start pioneering decarbonization project in ore transport

Cedro Mineração has started a pilot project together with Gás Verde, the largest biomethane producer in Latin America, to reduce the environmental impact of iron ore transportation. During the month of October, a truck running on Natural Gas Vehicles (NGV) will travel between Mariana and Vale's Fazendão Terminal. Emissions are neutralized through the Biomethane Guarantee of Origin Certificate (CGOB) issued by the partner.

It is estimated that adopting this model over the course of a year will offset approximately 11,000 tons of CO₂, equivalent to planting more than 72,000 trees. Gradually replacing the diesel fleet with vehicles powered by cleaner fuels can reduce emissions by up to 99%.

The project represents Cedro's first step towards using biomethane in its operations. This renewable fuel is produced by purifying the biogas generated by decomposing organic matter. The recent regulation of the Fuel for the Future Law recognized the CGOB as an instrument for carbon neutralization, allowing corporate environmental goals to be achieved more efficiently.

According to Lucas Kallas, chairman of the board of Cedro Participações, a commitment to sustainability is in the company's DNA: "Since Cedro was founded, we have sought to balance economic results with social and environmental responsibility. Our goal is to positively influence the mining sector and contribute to a more sustainable future."

The initiative is part of the expansion of the Mariana mine, planned to reach an annual production of 5 million tons of pellet feed, high quality iron ore with low levels of impurities. This product makes it possible to reduce by at least 50% the carbon emissions of the steel industry, one of the most polluting on the planet.

Another strategic investment is the Long Distance Belt Conveyor (TCLD), 19 kilometers long. The structure should replace the transportation of ore by road, bringing environmental gains and improvements to local traffic. The estimated time for completion is 24 months.

The operations in Mariana will also have a significant social impact. The expansion is expected to generate around 300 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs, stimulating trade and services in the municipality. Mayor Juliano Duarte highlighted the symbolism of the pilot project: "The CNG-powered truck represents innovation, impact reduction and responsibility for the future. Mariana is proud to welcome initiatives that unite production and preservation".

Cedro also maintains governance and integrity programs and adopts measures to optimize water use. The company reuses treated effluent in activities such as slope irrigation and road sprinkling. In Nova Lima, the practice has already guaranteed reuse rates of up to 86%. The expectation is to achieve similar results at the Mariana unit, which began operating with this model at the end of 2023.