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Hydro is installing a total of 446 signposts integrating the extensive emergency communication capabilities of the Self Rescue Zone, as the area where people in the region need to know what to do in case of an emergency at Hydro is called. This year, nine sirens will be installed for the same purpose.

The equipment complies with the norms of the Emergency Action Plan (PAE) for Solid Residue Deposits, the DRSs. The PAE is a document that guides all procedures for identifying and classifying emergency situations, in addition to establishing which actions must be taken in order to reduce any possibility of damage in the event of an emergency with Solid Residue Deposits. Among the actions indicated in the PAE are prevention initiatives, such as training and simulations, in addition to the installation of security alert sirens and signposts on the escape route and “Meeting Point''.

The installation of signs and sirens represents an investment of approximately BRL 8 million by Hydro.

While the system is not fully ready, the Community Environmental Brigade, made up of trained residents of the region, continues to operate. They are qualified to provide first aid and provide emergency care in areas close to the company. Even without being required by law, the Brigada supports the development of local professionals and is a partnership initiative between the company and the community.

How will the signaling work?

With the complete installation of the equipment, the community must be alert to sirens and community brigade cars. If they issue the security alert, people should follow signs called “Escape Route” and head to the “Meeting Point”, which is a safe place to stay and which is also signposted. Inside the company, the orientation is the same: when hearing the sirens or being notified of an occurrence, it is mandatory to stop all activities and follow the signs on the escape route to the “Meeting Point”.

Deposits

The DRS1 is in the closing phase, covering the rebuilding of the deposit with the filter press residue and rehabilitation.

The first stage of the rehabilitation consists of covering the entire surface of the deposit with a layer of residue from the filter press, following rigorous geotechnical planning. This initial stage of closing and rehabilitating the DRS1 allows for the continuity of Alunorte's safe operation.

This deposit also has a surface drainage system to reinforce safety, including spillways, contour channels and water clarification basins.

The Solid Residue Deposit 2 (DRS2) received its operating license in June 2021 and maintains the most modern technology for disposing of bauxite residue: dry stacking. Adopting this method brings numerous environmental and process advantages:

  • Safer residue deposits, as the material is dry;
  • Residue with attractive characteristics for other industrial applications;
  • Reduction of polluting emissions of CO and CO2, due to a reduction in the use of trucks.

All Solid Residue Deposits that make up Alunorte's residue disposal system are stable, intact and safe. All of them are licensed by the competent environmental agencies and do not pose risks to communities.

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