Usinas Siderúrgicas de Minas Gerais S.A. – Usiminas
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2023)
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:5.4 million tCO2e (Steelmaking) + 0.15 million tCO2e (Mining)
Scope 1 Emissions:4.74 million tCO2e (Steelmaking) + 0.0423 million tCO2e (Mining)
Scope 2 Emissions:0.05 million tCO2e (Steelmaking) + 0.0086 million tCO2e (Mining)
Scope 3 Emissions:0.61 million tCO2e (Steelmaking) + 0.1056 million tCO2e (Mining)
Total Energy Consumption:79,519,134 GJ (Steelmaking) + 62,619.22 GJ (Soluções Usiminas) + 1,340,540 GJ (Mining)
Water Consumption:55,770.71 ML (Steelmaking) + 44.28 ML (Soluções Usiminas) + 4,051.65 ML (Mining)
Waste Generated:60,316 tons (Steelmaking) + 25,513.33 tons (Soluções Usiminas) + 8 tons (Mining)
Carbon Intensity:2.32 tCO2/tcs (Steelmaking)
ESG Focus Areas
- Governance
- Social
- Environmental
- Economic and Financial Performance
Environmental Achievements
- Completion of Blast Furnace No. 3 refurbishment, resulting in significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and sedimentable particles.
- Achieved 94.5% water recirculation rate in processes.
- Achieved 98% material efficiency.
- Repurposed over 2.7 million tons of waste at the Ipatinga plant, reducing stored liabilities by more than 430,000 tons.
Social Achievements
- Launched the “+ Atitude” health promotion program.
- Increased female representation in leadership positions by 3.2% to 17.67%.
- Generated over 9,000 temporary jobs during Blast Furnace No. 3 refurbishment, with 60% going to Vale do Aço residents.
- 100% of employees covered by collective bargaining agreements.
- Invested R$19.8 million in cultural, sports, social, and health initiatives.
Governance Achievements
- 98.6% of employees underwent training on the Code of Ethics and Conduct.
- 70% compliance with the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) Governance Code Report (ICBGC).
- Implemented a comprehensive integration program for newly appointed senior management members and Supervisory Board members.
Climate Goals & Targets
Medium-term Goals:
- Reduce emissions intensity by 15% by 2030 (Scope 1 and 2)
Environmental Challenges
- Increased volume of steel imports under unfavorable competitive conditions for domestic producers.
- Potential risks from adverse weather conditions impacting operations and financial performance (extreme weather, droughts, floods).
- Transition risks associated with evolving regulatory frameworks and carbon pricing mechanisms.
Mitigation Strategies
- Development of a Decarbonization Plan with targets for 2030.
- Refurbishment of Blast Furnace No. 3 to improve efficiency and reduce emissions.
- Enhanced utilization of steelmaking gases as alternative fuels.
- Optimization of raw material blends and increased use of scrap metal.
- Integration of biomass and renewable energy sources.
- Regular evaluation of potential impact of forthcoming regulatory mandates.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 100% of strategic suppliers assessed for sustainability risks and opportunities; 131 new companies accredited for security.
Responsible Procurement
- Code of Ethics and Conduct
- General Corporate Administrative Standard for Supplies
- General Conditions for Service Execution and Supplies policy
- Safe Supplier Program
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather
- Droughts
- Floods
- Rising sea levels
Transition Risks
- Regulatory changes
- Carbon pricing mechanisms
Opportunities
- Development of energy-efficient products
- Expansion into renewable energy
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI Standards 2021, SASB Iron & Steel Producers e Metal & Mining, TCFD
Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, IATF 16949
Third-party Assurance: LRQA
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Goal 3
- Goal 5
- Goal 7
- Goal 8
- Goal 12
- Goal 13
- Goal 17
The report mentions alignment with several SDGs throughout the document.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Advanced High-Strength Steel (AHSS)
- High-strength steels for wind towers and solar panels
- High-performance electrical steels
Awards & Recognition
- Partner-Level Supplier Award – John Deere
- Excellence Award for the Brazilian Mining-Metallurgy Industry
- Toyota Award
- Brasa/Toyota Award
- Moto Honda Award
- RAIZ Award
- Achieving Excellence Award Recognition – John Deere
- AB2L Legal Department Certificate 4.0
- Industrial Award
- Ranking 100 Open Corp
- Maxion Supplier Award
- 25th Minas Business Performance Award