Mato Grosso state to use mining tailings for fertilizer production

Brazil’s Mato Grosso state started a pilot to use mining tailings as inputs for fertilizer production.

"In an innovative initiative to promote the sustainable use of mineral waste and strengthen agriculture, [state company] Metamat started the Remim project," a press release said.

"The pilot project was implemented in three regions of the state: Guarantã do Norte, Tangará da Serra and Rondonópolis. Each of these areas receives specific work, suited to local agriculture and focused on the use of mining waste," it added.

Metamat will promote the use of remineralizers, which are rich in potassium, phosphate, calcium and magnesium, among others, benefiting both soil and plant development.

Brazil, an agricultural powerhouse, has been looking for solutions in the mining segment to produce fertilizers and become less dependent on imports.

Additionally, the measure is in line with a move by mining and metals companies to adopt sustainable measures, such as the reuse of tailings and more use of renewable energies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In related news, the board of steelmaker CSN approved the issue of up to 500mn reais (US$86mn) in debentures to finance renewable energy projects.

CSN is among the steel companies that are aiming to reduce emissions.