Processo produtivo do alumínio primário: principais impactos ambientais associados e medidas de mitigação adotadas pelas empresas que atuam no Brasil

Abstract

Due to the abundant availability of bauxite ore, from which aluminum is obtained, and the interesting combination of chemical and physical properties that constitute it, aluminum is one of the most produced metals worldwide. While the primary aluminum production chain has proven to be profitable and economically relevant for the local economies where they are installed, this type of industry also promotes a significant range of environmental impacts associated with its operations that affect not only the fauna and flora, but also the communities located near these operations. Thus, the present work seeks to identify the main environmental impacts intrinsic to the primary aluminum production chain, in addition to understanding how companies in this industry have been acting to mitigate these impacts, whether with preventive, corrective or compensatory measures. To this end, a descriptive bibliographic research was developed, using as a reference basis the sustainability reports of the two companies that currently produce aluminum in Brazil, according to the data from ABAL, referring to the year 2020, Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA) and Norsk Hydro Brasil Ltda. Thus, it was possible to survey the sustainable strategies and goals of the selected companies in relation to the main aspects associated with the production of primary aluminum, allowing an analysis of the current scenario, opportunities for improvement and sharing of innovations in the industry.