CBA ESG

Climate change is today one of society’s chief concerns. The aluminium industry is carbon- and energy-intensive, accounting for 1% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and consuming 5% of global energy output in the production of primary aluminium.

However, new technologies and countries’ decarbonization efforts are driving competition toward a sustainable economy and creating significant challenges and opportunities for our market. Aluminium can play a big role in this transition: our lightweight, versatile, durable and infinitely recyclable products are essential enablers of a low-carbon future.

Greenhouse gas emissions management

CBA is one of the largest producers of low-GHG aluminium in the world * . Yet we are constantly working to further cut GHG emissions from our operations as part of our efforts against climate change. Learn below about our progress in this direction:

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This program is active in the following SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)

Transmission intensity in the electrolysis process.

tons of CO and / tons of liquid aluminum (2020)

*According to CRU data, our smelter GHG emissions are in the first—and lowest—quartile on a global basis.

** The indicator is calculated based on Scope 1 and 2 emissions at the electrolysis stage.

Gold level reporting status in the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program

This certification attests to the transparency and traceability of our GHG emissions disclosures. Gold level reporting status is awarded for inventories that comprehensively report direct (Scope 1) and energy-indirect (Scope 2) emissions and are independently assured to ensure the data they report is accurate. CBA’s GHG emissions inventories, filed with the Brazilian Public Emissions Register, have received Gold status since 2017.

CDP

CBA has responded to the CDP’s climate change disclosures questionnaire since 2020, with our first-time disclosures receiving a leadership-level score of A-. The CDP is a leading, internationally recognized framework for disclosures on sustainability and climate change.

Science Based Targets

CBA has committed to the Science Based Targets, a joint initiative of the Global Compact, CDP, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to enable companies to set and meet targets that can effectively contribute to limiting global temperature rise.

Acordo Ambiental de São Paulo

We are among the São Paulo-based companies and associations that have voluntarily committed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and regularly participate in meetings of the Environmental Chamber for Climate Change.

Our 2030 Goal

Reduce emissions by 40% (on average for cast products, cradle-to-gate, from a 2019 baseline).

What we’re doing

Smelter Upgrade

This project is upgrading the smelting pot feed process at our smelters, where aluminium oxide is converted into molten aluminium. The new feed system is automated and intermittent. Among the key benefits from the new technology is reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and greater process efficiency and safety.

Gestão energética

Aluminium production is electricity-intensive, especially at the electrolysis stage of smelting. But CBA has a significant competitive advantage: 21 hydroelectric power plants generating enough renewable electricity to meet the full electricity requirement at our plant in Alumínio. Yet we believe there is always room for improvement when it comes to sustainability.

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This program is active in the following SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)

Our 2030 Goals

Source 100% of our plants’ power requirement from renewable sources.
Reduce our energy intensity (electric power and fuels).

What we’re doing

Some of our key initiatives to improve energy efficiency in our operations include:

Energy mix diversification

In 2020 CBA committed to invest in wind power in a partnership with Votorantim Energia and Votorantim Cimentos.

What we’re doing

Energy efficiency program

This early-stage program is working to enhance energy governance, capture new electricity and fuel savings opportunities, and use energy resources more efficiently and sustainably.

The circular economy, a major global trend, is creating a shift in production and consumer patterns that will drive more efficient use of natural capital and create added value across a product lifecycle. Aluminium is infinitely recyclable and can support supply chains that are less resource-intensive and more circular, with increased re-utilization of raw materials and minimized environmental impact.

Recycling aluminium requires 5% of the amount of electricity required to produce primary aluminium. These benefits, and the fact that recycled aluminium fully retains its original properties, create enormous potential to drive reductions in GHG emissions and energy consumption in the aluminium value chain.

Aluminium recycling

According to data from the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), recycled aluminium could meet half of demand for the metal by 2050. Aluminium demand is expected to increase by about 80% in this period, due to population and economic growth and the shift to a low carbon economy. In response to this trend, CBA has undertaken a set of ambitious commitments for 2030 and is investing in projects to substantially expand recycling capacity over the coming years.

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This program is active in the following SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)

Our 2030 Goals

Increase the ratio of aluminium recycled from industrial and end-of-life scrap at Metalex to 80%.
Increase the ratio of aluminium recycled from industrial and end-of-life scrap in billet production at the Alumínio (SP) plant to 50%.

What we’re doing

Metalex

CBA’s Metalex operation is dedicated to recycling aluminium scrap. The facility produces billets using internally generated aluminium scrap as well as scrap purchased externally or supplied by customers and partners. A new scrap treatment line, due to start operation in 2023, will allow the Metalex operation to process a wider range of end-of-life-scrap (window and door frames from demolition sites, car parts, discarded equipment, etc.) and process scrap. This will increase the ratio of scrap in the billet production mix from 60% to as high as 80%. Investments in a new furnace will also increase billet production capacity from 75,000 to 90,000 metric tons per year.

What we’re doing

ReAl Project

An innovative physical and chemical process developed at CBA—dubbed ReAl—uses an alkaline solution that can isolate the plastic from any of these packaging materials, allowing the aluminium to be recycled. Unlike aluminium, plastic will not react in an alkaline solution, and can be cleanly removed from the process and then fully recycled. In addition to the benefit of recycling the aluminium and plastic layers, the process will generate hydrogen that can be used to produce clean energy on-site. The proprietary process will create added value for the entire packaging supply chain and its different actors, at low operating costs. CBA’s ReAl technology has now been patented and the recycling plant is due to begin operating in 2022, increasing packaging recycling rates in line with Brazil’s National Solid Waste Policy. This is the circular economy at work!

Carton and flexible packaging recycling

Currently only the paper portion of multilayer cartons, for example, can be recycled back into the process. The plastic and aluminium are reprocessed together, creating new materials. This poses a major obstacle from a circular-economy perspective. Flexible packaging, another multilayered material, is non-recyclable with current technologies and is often disposed of in landfills. Leading consumer goods manufacturers have struggled to recycle these types of materials and are seeking alternatives to aluminium in cartons and flexible packaging. In response to this market demand, CBA has set a specific target for 2030 to create added value in the supply chain for recycled multilayered packaging.

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This program is active in the following SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)

Our 2030 Goal

Recycle 40,000 metric tons of cartons and flexible packaging per year.

What we’re doing

ReAl Project

CBA is strongly committed to preserving natural resources and biodiversity, and helping to limit climate change. Our mine reclamation efforts and low-carbon aluminium production processes are a part of this commitment. And we exercise good water, energy and waste stewardship. This is how we are building industry leadership in sustainability.

Water stewardship

Growing water consumption around the world is impacting available resources, making them increasingly scarce and less accessible. The lack of water stewardship combined with extended droughts is exacerbating the threat to people and our planet from the current climate emergency. The aluminium production process is water-intensive and water-dependent. Indeed, without water, there can be no aluminium.

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This program is active in the following SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)

The mining and metals industry experienced water-related financial impacts amounting to USD 11.8 billion from 2013 to 2018 (CDP, 2018).

CBA recognizes that water usage needs to be managed in a way that minimizes impacts and reduces pressures on local water resources. We are committed to reducing our water dependence by lowering consumption and increasing reuse at each stage of our operations. CBA has clearly articulated guidance in place on managing water and effluents, and conforms to all applicable legal requirements and the practices prescribed in global industry standards.

Our 2030 Goal

Reduce water withdrawals per metric ton of molten aluminium by 20% (from a 2019 baseline).

What we’re doing

Smelter Upgrade

In addition to the benefit of reduced GHG emissions, this project will also help us to meet our target for water resource stewardship. When all pots have been converted to the new system, the wet scrubber systems will be switched off, eliminating the need for water in the process. Once the project has been completed in 2026, CBA expects to reduce water consumption in aluminium production by more than 120,000 m³ per year.

What we’re doing

Higher water treatment and recycling rates

At our Alumínio plant (SP), we regularly conduct assessments of our water treatment and recycling systems to enhance water reuse in aluminium production instead of withdrawing water from local sources. Our goal is to improve the quality of recycled water so it can be used in processes where this is currently impracticable.

Biodiversity

CBA also produces forests and biodiversity. As part of our sustainability governance, we work to minimize environmental impacts from our operations, restore native vegetation, and increase environmental awareness among our employees and the communities where we operate.

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This program is active in the following SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)

Restored forests provide a habitat to which native fauna can return, including birds, wild animals and even large mammals—benefiting people and our planet. In addition, an industry that values the carbon stored in vegetation and the soil can create new business models and investment opportunities that help to prevent deforestation and drive reforestation and land rehabilitation.

Our 2030 Goals

Create/expand 1 hectare of wildlife corridors for every 10 hectares of mined and reclaimed land.
10% of key suppliers and customers co-investing in forest and biodiversity programs.

What we’re doing

Legacy reserves

CBA owns the Legado Verdes do Cerrado (“Cerrado Green Legacy”) reserve (32,000 hectares preserved in Goiás) and is a cofounder of the Legados das Águas (“Water Legacy”) reserve (31,000 hectares of Atlantic Forest in São Paulo), two private reserves managed by Reservas Votorantim. CBA initiatives in these reserves support biome conservation, livelihoods for communities, climate change mitigation, food security, research and innovation in biodiversity conservation, and dissemination of best practices in land use and more sustainable technologies.

What we’re doing

Partnership with UFV

CBA has a partnership with the Federal University of Viçosa for research and development across three areas: environmental rehabilitation (soil), forest restoration (forests) and water stewardship (forest hydrology). On these three fronts, we are using technology and innovation to develop sustainable practices and create knowledge for society.

#OurCBA

After stripping the surface soil and rock and mining the bauxite ore beneath, CBA reclaims the disturbed land and returns it to farmers in the same or better condition. Our reclamation activities—which have been carried out in partnership with UFV for the last 10 years—have achieved 100% rehabilitation of mined land within the prescribed periods and a high, 96.8% quality rating for rehabilitated land.

What we’re doing

Partnership with UFV

Zona da Mata Headwater Monitoring

This project is monitoring water patterns near mine sites in the Zona da Mata region, southeastern Brazil. The researchers involved are studying and monitoring headwaters in the municipalities of Miraí, Muriaé, Rosário da Limeira and São Sebastião da Vargem Alegre to assess the influence of mine activities on water quality and abundance at these locations. A group of researchers from the Federal University of Viçosa has mapped out approximately 100 headwater sites and selected 10 for monitoring. The aim of the project is to study headwater basins containing bauxite ore bodies and compare their pre- and post-mining conditions. The project is being carried out in collaboration with the landowners of the study sites. Based on study results, UFV and CBA advise landowners on precautions required at rehabilitated sites and why they are important for river sources in the region.

Dams are an inherent part of aluminium mining and production, and one with significant potential impacts. To prevent dam incidents, these structures need to be maintained in good condition, constantly monitored and kept compliant with applicable regulations.

Waste dams

CBA operates six dams in the municipalities of Alumínio (SP), Itamarati de Minas (MG), Miraí (MG) and Niquelândia (GO): two are for water impoundment, two are mining dams, and two are industrial waste dams. All dams operated by CBA have been built with appropriate materials and never using waste. Learn more about our dam management activities below.

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This program is active in the following SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)

Dam Safety Committee

CBA’s Dam Safety Committee holds weekly meetings on data management. We also have dedicated dam safety personnel, and are advised by independent dam safety consultants. Our dam safety procedures include maintaining alarm and video monitoring systems operational at all times, registering and training residents and employees in self-rescue zones, and conducting emergency evacuation drills on a regular basis.

SIGBAR

CBA adheres to the guidelines outlined as part of our Integrated Dam Safety Management System (SIGBAR) to ensure the physical integrity of our dams is maintained. All dams have a dedicated Dam Safety Plan (DSP) as required by Brazilian law, and an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) that includes training and evacuation drills involving local communities.

Our 2030 Goals

Eliminate waste disposal in dams.
Send 100% of dry red mud residue for use in cement production and other applications.

What we’re doing

Filter press

A drier dam is a safer dam. CBA is investing R$ 298.3 million a in filter-press project that will introduce a new residue disposal method at the Palmital mine in Alumínio (SP), switching from wet disposal (45% solids) to dry disposal (75% solids). Construction of the filter press began in 2019 and is scheduled to be completed in 2024.

What we’re doing

From residue to product

CBA is currently carrying out studies toward the reuse of bauxite mine tailings and bauxite residue—which are currently stored in waste dams—in the production of building materials and cement, respectively.

What we’re doing

Mobile beneficiation

In a collaboration with the Federal University of Viçosa, our operations in Zona da Mata are testing a small-scale mobile beneficiation plant that allows mined ore to be processed directly at the mine site, without having to be transported to distant facilities. The system operates as a closed circuit and allows unusable ore to return to the original soil, accelerating the reclamation process and avoiding the need to store tailings in tailings dams.