Brazil's WEG and Nexa form partnership to reuse mining waste

Brazilian electric-electronics equipment company WEG and mining firm Nexa created a three-year partnership to reuse mining waste in the production of anti-corrosive liquid paints, involving an investment of 4mn reais (US$775,000).

The solution will focus on carbon steel and cast iron surfaces and provide a protective effect, reducing the use of conventional raw materials and promoting the circular economy, WEG said in a statement. 

First results and initial studies suggest the paint has high compatibility with epoxy, alkyd and acrylic resins and is effective against corrosion.

“The transformation of mining and metallurgy toward a sustainable path is possible and projects like this demonstrate it. The circular economy is the best alternative for disposed waste and Nexa's Mining Lab platform encourages and makes this type of development viable, in line with the best ESG practices,” Nexa innovation manager Caio van Deursen said in the statement.

“The partnership with WEG accelerates even more, promoting development between supplier and client and the project is already born with a well-defined chain.”  

Mining companies will invest a combined US$64.5bn in Brazil in 2024-28, compared to US$50bn forecast for 2023-27, according to association Ibram. Of the total, US$10.7bn will be for sustainability efforts, nearly 63% more than in 2023-27.