(03/22/2016) Paranapanema, Brazil’s largest copper producer, supplies 94% of the water requirement of the plant in Utinga, Santo André (SP), with reuse water from an internal structure of collection and treatment rainwater, industrial processes and sewage. With the implementation of the new line of straight tubes in the unit, in operation since February, the company has partnered with the Projeto Aquapolo to maintain its high level of reuse water consumption.

Aquapolo, project between the Odebrecht Ambiental and Sabesp, treats the sewage of buildings connected to the sewage system in the region and provides the companies of Polo Petroquímico do ABC for use in processes that do not demand potable water. Paranapanema is the first company outside the polo to partner with the project. The agreement provides a supply of 21 m³ per hour reuse of water, about 15 million liters per month of reuse water to supply the line of straight tubes. The volume represents 35% cost reduction compared to the amounts that would be spent if it were used water from the conventional supply chain.

“An industry of the size and segment of Paranapanema needs lot of water, especially for processes like cooling of the metal and the equipment cleaning. The management of this natural resource is important for the company’s activity and its responsibility as major consumer. In this sense, Paranapanema’s strategic planning includes both the reduction of consumption and smart resource use,” says Evandro Schmidt Pause, industrial director of copper manufacturer.

With its internal structure, comprising a reservoir for rainwater capture and industrial water treatment plants, sludge and sewage, Paranapanema recovers about 72 million liters per month. Last year, the company treated and reused 867 million liters of water, a volume equivalent to 324 olympic swimming pools, which makes it almost self-sufficient, protecting natural resources.

In addition to an internal mechanism of collection and treatment, the company also has a system that monitors the supply of the resource to the manufacturing sectors and allows a water balance of the plant, allowing clear vision of consumption for specific areas and identifying leaks or opportunities to further reduce consumption.