Global biodiversity loss is happening at an alarming rate. Nearly 40% of the world’s forests have already been destroyed. Yet forests not only provide food and shelter for humans and wildlife; they can also play an important role in mitigating climate change. |
We recognise that biodiversity is essential to life and acknowledge its alarming and rapid loss across the world. Deforestation is of particular concern since forests play a critical role in mitigating climate change.
We take a regenerative approach to the areas we mine, aiming to restore them to their original state through re-cultivation and reforestation. At most open-pit mines, we conduct ongoing activities together with local partners. In 2019, activities included:
Of all water on our planet, 99.5% is sea water. The world’s growing population, agriculture and industry rely on the less than 0.5% that is freshwater. Given growing demand for a finite resource, water scarcity already affects every continent.
RHI Magnesita recognises the growing issue of water scarcity and its link to the climate crisis. Although the refractory industry is not water-intensive in comparison to other sectors, we aim to minimise water use and improve water efficiency, especially in areas which experience scarcity.
We have assessed the locations of all production sites for water scarcity using the WWF Water Risk Filter and other tools. Results indicated that 10 sites operate in regions of Mexico, Brazil, India, China and France where water scarcity is, or might soon become, a risk. In 2019, we used 14.8 million cubic meters of water, of which 1.5 million cubic meters was consumed in water-scarce areas.
Water withdrawals |
2018 |
2019 |
||
m³ |
Percentage of total |
m³ |
Percentage of total |
|
Asia |
240,640 |
2% |
290,811 |
2% |
Europe |
9,683,524 |
62% |
8,139,378 |
55% |
North America |
4,796,737 |
31% |
5,585,620 |
38% |
South America |
875,928 |
6% |
772,235 |
5% |
Total water withdrawals |
15,637958 |
100% |
14,807,681 |
100% |
Of which in water-scarce areas |
1,535,314 |
10% |
1,472,115 |
10% |
Next, we will assess water consumption to the above-mentioned sites to identify risks to our operations and local watersheds and to develop mitigation plans.