In a significant move highlighting the aluminium sector's shift towards sustainability, representatives from Brazil's Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and the Brazilian Association of Large Energy Consumers (Abrace) recently visited Alcoa Brazil. Their destination was the Poços de Caldas facilities, a key site in Alcoa's Brazilian operations.​

Poços de Caldas boasts a complete mine - to - metal process, from bauxite mining to alumina refining and primary aluminium smelting. This vertical integration gives Alcoa strong control over its production chain. The visit aimed to explore Alcoa's progress in sustainability, crucial for its 2050 net - zero GHG emissions goal for direct and indirect emissions.​

Sarah Pimenta, Environment and Licensing Manager at Alcoa Poços de Caldas, revealed that in the past three years, Alcoa invested R​1.6billion(US

262.2 million) in production process transformation projects. These efforts, from bauxite extraction to refining, are reducing the company's carbon footprint. The unit has already cut greenhouse gases by 30% compared to 2019. This achievement is due to technology investment and sustainable practices like in - process aluminium recycling, using electric boilers in the refinery, and implementing a water - saving filter press for bauxite residue disposal.

Leandro de Oliveira Albuquerque, Director of Programs at the National Secretariat for Energy Transition and Planning, praised Alcoa's decarbonisation and waste - treatment projects. He stated they're excellent examples for the sector, aligning with the government's push for reduced carbon emissions and more sustainable operations. These initiatives will be used as models for plans like the Climate Plan and New Industry Brazil.​

Accompanying Albuquerque were José Luiz Ubaldino de Lima, Director of the Department of Geology and Mineral Production, and Sérgio Soares Ayrimoraes, General Coordinator of Integrated Studies. Abrace also sent representatives. Its President, Paulo Pedrosa, emphasized the visit's importance for understanding industries investing in energy transition. He noted the need to analyze energy - consuming industries to boost their competitiveness for domestic supply and green product exports.​

At Alcoa, Pimenta, along with Maria Cristina Gonçalves (Government Relations and Communications Manager), Juliana Noronha (Institutional Relations Manager), Rafael Garrio (Commercial Energy Manager), Daniel Soares (Regional Environment Manager), and Jéssica Milani (Energy Manager), welcomed the delegation.

In my view, this visit is a positive sign. Alcoa's substantial investment in sustainability not only benefits the environment but also positions the company well in a market increasingly focused on green practices. For Brazil, the government's interest in Alcoa's initiatives can drive the aluminium industry and other energy - intensive sectors towards a more sustainable future. The involvement of Abrace shows growing industry awareness of sustainable energy use. However, while Alcoa is leading the way, broader industry adoption of such practices is needed to achieve true sustainability in Brazil's aluminium production.