en.Wedoany.com Reported - Samarco announced the transfer of R$91.8 million to the municipality of Mariana (Minas Gerais State) for projects in infrastructure, urban mobility, and water security. The funds come from the company's voluntary investments and its socio-environmental compensation obligations related to its operations in the city.
The amount was formalized through two financial cooperation agreements and a previously signed socio-environmental compensation commitment that remains in effect. Of the total, R$10.5 million will be used to build a new road to the Camargos district, the so-called "Access 2"; another R$1.3 million will go towards renovating the reservoir that supplies the São Pedro neighborhood. The remaining funds are part of a socio-environmental compensation commitment signed in 2024, which provides for investments of R$80 million, of which approximately 78% has already been transferred to the city.
Samarco CEO Rodrigo Vilela stated that these investments aim to bring lasting benefits to residents and promote local development, reinforcing the company's commitment to generating a positive impact beyond its operational activities.
The investments stipulated in the socio-environmental compensation commitment are being directed to projects deemed a priority by the city. Actions are determined jointly by a parity committee composed of representatives from the Mariana City Hall, the Municipal Council, and Samarco. Initiatives covered include improving solid waste management, maintaining rural roads, road restoration services, executing structural works, and supporting the "Tarifa Zero" transfer income program. This program provides free public transportation for low-income families and residents of communities far from the city center.
Mariana Lisbôa, Samarco's Director of Sustainability, Government Relations, and Communications, stated that the governance model adopted allows resources to be transparently directed to the population's most pressing needs, thereby expanding the social outcomes of the actions.
One of the main projects covered is the construction of a new road to the Camargos district. The road, approximately three kilometers long, will connect the community to the MG-129 highway and downtown Mariana, and will restore access to Novo Bento Rodrigues. The project design for this work was funded by Samarco in 2025, and the construction will also receive R$3 million in matching funds from the Mariana City Hall. The project is expected to facilitate school bus traffic, strengthen regional integration, and contribute to the development of the local economy.
In the water supply sector, the funds allocated to the São Pedro neighborhood will be used for the complete restoration of the local reservoir. This work should improve the system's operational safety and ensure a more stable water supply for residents. Mariana Mayor Juliano Duarte emphasized that these investments represent an opportunity to expand urban infrastructure, strengthen community integration, and prepare the city for more structured and sustainable growth.
In addition to the funds announced this week, Samarco stated that it has been making a series of structural investments in Mariana, both related to its operations and remediation actions following the Fundão dam collapse. Since last year, total investments in the city amount to approximately R$441.5 million. These amounts include voluntary investments, legal obligations, funds allocated for public assets in the new districts of Novo Bento Rodrigues and Paracatu, as well as various works and initiatives implemented by the company.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
