Brazilian iron ore and pellets producer Samarco is using a residue of marble mining in the production of pellets, replacing part of the limestone used as agglomerant in the process.
According to the company, the new ingredient brings many benefits to the process, as it is a product that would otherwise be disposed in the environment, while it improves the quality of the pellet, reduces both carbon dioxide emissions and the consumption of fuels.
The state of Espirito Santo, where Samarco is located, is the country’s largest miner of marble, while Brazil ranks fourth in world terms.
The start of viability studies about the use of marble mining residues as raw material for pellets dates from 2019, with different tests showing positive results, until the approval in October 2022.