Helping the mining sector achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals

In September, Ramboll Managing Principal Eugenio Singer attended a Mining & Communities seminar, sponsored by Ramboll Brazil, together with Brasil Mineral Mining Magazine. As part of this event attended by many industry leaders and organizations, Eugenio chaired a session about achieving the ambitions set forth by the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while André Cintra discussed economic development challenges related to restoring the Rio Doce watershed in Brazil following the 2015 socio-environmental disaster.

“We are proud to be working on disaster management projects that are helping to improve local communities around the world,” Eugenio said. “And I am especially honored that the president of GRI in Brazil recognized our leadership in environmental and health consulting in the region.”

Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in the mining sector

Eugenio chaired a session that addressed the linkages between mining and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The session outlined challenges in achieving the SDGs and opportunities for those working in the mining sector to incorporate relevant SDGs into their business operations that will positively impact the natural environment, climate change and economic development.  

Restoring the Rio Doce River Basin 

André discussed the resilience of the Rio Doce River Basin restoration project following the 2015 dam break at the Samarco iron ore mine in Mariana, Minas Gerais. Ramboll has been a strategic partner in this project since 2017, when the company entered into a long-term agreement with the Federal Public Ministry of Brazil (MPF) in connection with this mining disaster that resulted in loss of lives and environmental, social and economic damages to the river basin. 

As part of this project, Ramboll has been evaluating and monitoring the work of the Renova Foundation to ensure that the remediation programs achieve the promised outcomes, as well as proposing any additional measures necessary to fully restore the area within the shortest timeframe possible. 

In his presentation, André also highlighted the various economic development challenges of the project and how Ramboll is working to solve them. 

Learn more about this restoration project.