ASI certifies Mineração Rio do Norte – MRN, largest Brazilian bauxite producer and exporter against Performance Standard

The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative has reportedly certified Mineração Rio do Norte – MRN against the Performance Standard certification for bauxite mining operations and power generation at Porto Trombetas facility in State of Pará, Brazil. Their activities include the planning, mining, transport, processing, and river shipment of bauxite and power generation.

Mineração Rio do Norte is the largest Brazilian bauxite producer and exporter, with an annual production of over 12 million tonnes per annum.

Upon receiving the certification, Guido Germani, CEO of MRN, said: “The ASI (Aluminum Stewardship Initiative) certification is an important achievement for MRN, therefore, we show the market and society our commitment to a sustainable production of bauxite. We are in the middle of the Amazon, within a national forest, and the constant search for responsible production of bauxite becomes even more significant. It must be aligned with MRN’s values, which focuses on respect for sustainability, safety, health and, above all, people. Certification in the ASI standard is part of this commitment: fostering development focused on legacy for future generations.”

Fiona Solomon, Chief Executive Officer at ASI said, “We warmly congratulate MRN on achieving ASI Performance Standard Certification at its Porto Trombetas operations. Even though significant focus in the aluminium sector is currently on GHG emissions, bauxite mining also has been in the spotlight regarding key ESG issues including Indigenous Peoples’ rights, impact on local communities, dust control, biodiversity management, and appropriate rehabilitation post mining, among others. These are all key parts of the ASI Performance Standard, and MRN’s certification demonstrates that its priorities and values are consistent with responsible mining and production of bauxite.”

The independent, third-party audit of Mineração Rio do Norte bauxite operation was carried out by Bureau Veritas Certification.