Environment
Serra Verde Pesquisa e Mineração aims to be the most responsible rare earths producer in the world. Our production process is one of our key differentiators as we use open pit mining techniques, which are safer for the team and are more efficient when extracting ore. Due to the shallow and soft nature of our ionic clay deposit we do not use intensive mining techniques deployed in hard rock deposits, so our mining and processing operations have a much lower impact and do not generate wet tailings.
More sustainable operation
We have access to grid electricity that has a high proportion of renewable energy and we utilise solar power for water heating both at the mine site and at the plant.
Additionally, our water management and recirculation program takes place throughout the whole mining process. We use our best efforts to protect the integrity of water resources in our areas of influence.
Monitor and Preserve
We carry out regular monitoring and preservation activities such as seedling, fencing and spring recovery. Our Ser Natureza Project is an initiative the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Goiás, which we have taken part in since 2018. Through this initiative, we have already rehabilitated 80 springs of the Água Boa and Córrego Corrente rivers, located in Rio Bonito´s basin and we continue to do so, now from the Cana Brava River, all located in Minaçu.
BIODIVERSITY
Recognizing the importance of preserving biodiversity and our appreciation for sustainability, we actively protect the local fauna and flora, implementing several initiatives that aim for the conservation of the area of operation.
Main programmes
We believe that the conservation of biodiversity is crucial for life on the planet. SVPM implements a series of programs to monitor native vegetation and identify and assess species and their conservation status. Additionally, we cultivate seeds, seedlings and epiphytes in nurseries to enable the rehabilitation of degraded areas.
To ensure the preservation of wildlife, we monitor and evaluate the conservation status of the terrestrial and aquatic fauna in our areas of operation.
CETRAS – Wildlife Triage and Recovery Centre
CETRAS plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation of injured wild animals or those found in dangerous situations due to mining or other activities. With specialised veterinary care and a suitable environment, the centre rehabilitates these animals and whenever possible, returns them to their natural habitat.
Native seedling nursery
To reinforce its commitment to environmental preservation and rehabilitation, SVPM has implemented its native seedling nursery, a crucial step towards the restoration of degraded areas and biodiversity conservation. The production of these native seedlings guarantees their quality and their adjustment to local conditions, in order for them to be planted in areas in need of environmental recovery.
Learn about other initiatives
We operate in a rich biodiversity area and recognize the importance of this natural heritage. RESPECT, MONITOR and PRESERVE are the commitments that drive our actions, for which we have about 29 programmes to ensure responsible environmental management, throughout our operation.
