Energy efficiency

Search for energy optimization

In 2009, Anglo American registered a drop in energy consumption, mainly due to the economic crisis, but also by virtue of actions oriented to energy efficiency and use of renewable sources.

In 2009, the Copebrás unit in Cubatão registered a 35% reduction in energy consumption as compared to 2008. However, such decrease was the result of a retraction in the total volume produced by the unit and not because of initiatives implemented for consumption reduction.

At Copebrás Catalão/Ouvidor and Mineração Catalão the process for replacement of engines started, which shall be completed in 2011. Despite the effort, it is not possible to say how much these initiatives generated in terms of reduction of energy consumption, as the consumption indicators are installed per area.

In 2009, at the Cubatão unit there was a reduction of approximately 32% in energy consumption as compared to 2008. However, such reduction occurred mainly due to reduction in the total volume produced and not because of initiatives implemented for consumption reduction.

As to the nickel area, the actions oriented to savings and optimization in the use of equipment, with a view to reducing energy consumption were represented by the implementation of heat loss control systems, pressure pump changes and waste reuse (wood chip fines) to help in energy generation.

The actions for Catalão comprised engine replacements, which started in 2009 and shall be completed by 2011. It is not possible to say how much this initiative generated in terms of reduction, as there are no individual indicators per area (Copebrás has indicators at the operational plants, except for ETEL and the administrative area; at Mineração Catalão there is no indicator).

Electric power is responsible for 18% of energy consumption (GJ). Wood chip contributes with 50% of total energy consumption (GJ). At Mineração Catalão, oil diesel is the greatest contributor in the sense of reducing energy consumption.

Low-performance electrical engines have been replaced with high-performance engines at the Catalão (phosphate), Mineração Catalão and Codemin units. These actions started in 2009 and shall be completed by 2011.