Mineração Paragominas (MPSA) seeks to carry out monitoring and preventive maintenance activities on the pipeline in Tomé-Açu, in Para State. The pipeline is the most efficient and sustainable way of taking bauxite from Paragominas, where it is extracted, to refining in Barcarena. The frequent monitoring and periodic maintenance are essential for the operation of the pipeline. However, for several months, blockades, vandalism, and criminal acts carried out in the Tomé-Açu region by individuals associated with certain local communities, have impeded the maintenance work and put the integrity of the pipeline and the safety of people at risk.

The company respects the rights of communities and always seeks open and transparent dialogue to promote sustainable development in the region. This is part of the core values that guide the company. However, MPSA does not condone violent acts that put the safety of the community, employees, and contractors at risk. 

Since January 2023, always accompanied by representatives of the public authorities, the company has held several rounds of dialog with local leaders of the involved communities. However, no progress has been made to allow the work to continue.

MPSA's operations strictly comply with the laws and regulations in force. All the company's activities are duly authorized by the competent regulatory bodies. Hydro follows specific policies to ensure practices in line with national and international human rights guidelines and is open to dialogue to build peaceful forms of coexistence in the territory.

Furthermore, regarding the recent controversies that have been hindering the progress of maintenance services, the company clarifies that:

• In operation since 2006, the pipeline has gone through all the licensing stages required by law. With its license issued by the competent authorities, the pipeline is periodically inspected within an environmental control plan approved by the Para State Environment and Sustainability Department (SEMAS/PA).
•  There is a pipeline maintenance plan to ensure full operation, focusing on structures’ integrity for the safety of people and environment. During the maintenance process, health and safety at work and the environment are monitored continuously, including the prevention and mitigation of potential impacts.
•  The pipeline route passes through Remaining Quilombola Communities (CRQ) with whom the company has been consulting according to the licensing process. An independent specialist consultancy hired by the company is conducting 26 Quilombola Component Studies (ECQ) and running Basic Quilombola Projects (PBAQ). The deadline for completion and approval, through Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), in all communities is December 2024.
•  At the time of the installment of the pipeline, FUNAI attested that there were no indigenous lands involved in the pipeline route. MPSA is not aware of any new areas claimed by indigenous groups in the Tomé-Açu region, and the route of the company's pipeline, at the time of the project's prior licensing, was designed not to pass through indigenous lands.

Mineração Paragominas emphasizes its willingness to continue dialoguing with the communities where it operates in the search for an understanding that promotes a sustainable future and fairer societies. Besides strictly complying with all current legislation and standards, the Hydro Group collaborates with local development as a good neighbor.

Ore Pipeline – The most efficient and sustainable way of transporting bauxite ore, which drives the aluminum chain in the Para State

Mineração Paragominas is the only company in the world to use a pipeline to transport bauxite to the refinery, initiating the entire verticalization of the aluminum chain in the State of Para, Brazil.

More efficient and sustainable, this method of transportation does not emit greenhouse gases and is safer, eliminating the risk of accidents to people along its entire length.

The pipeline was implemented in 2005 and has been operating since 2006. It is 244 km long and passes through seven municipalities in the State of Para: Paragominas, Ipixuna do Para, Tome-Acu, Acara, Moju, Abaetetuba, and Barcarena.

An employee inspects the pipeline in the initial section where the pipeline is on the surface, in the beneficiation area of Mineração Paragominas.