Products
Anglo American has pre-registered with the European Chemicals Agency, since the ferronobium and ferronickel alloys are exported to or are transported through Europe, which adopts the Reach legislation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals).
Between 2008 and 2009, the company began negotiations with other companies that produce the same substances so that all could undertake analysis and prepare dossiers.
In 2008 these organizations joined in the project for updating the Life Cycle inventory for ferronickel, for the purpose of establishing and divulging the environmental footprint for this substance. The result has not yet been attained.
Nickel
Used mostly for stainless steel production, which consumes over 65% of the available volume in the market. Nickel is also used in the aviation, medical and dental, food, chemical and hygiene industries.
Rechargeable batteries, personal computers and electric vehicle components also use this metal. Currently, Anglo American’s share in the Brazilian nickel market is 30% of production.
Current production is geared to supply 80% of the domestic market and 20% of the international market. Of the Barro Alto Project production, available in 2011, 80% will be directed at the export market, especially Europe and Asia, and 20% to the domestic market.
Niobium
Niobium is essential for companies developing leading edge technologies. Ferroniobium, an alloy with approximately 67% niobium, is used in the manufacture of special steels, with high mechanical strength and resistance to corrosion, even under extreme temperatures.
Production is entirely directed to the export market.
Phosphates
The product area mostly supplies manufacturers of fertilizer and animal feed (such as dicalcium phosphate, sold under the Copefós brand and used as animal feed).
Dicalcium phosphate production at Catalão is geared to producing mineral salt: 80% for cattle and 20% for other animals, with the entire production directed to the domestic market.