RHI Magnesita, a multinational reference in refractory solutions, has already launched five professional and training social projects in 2024 to develop communities in the locations where they are located. What’s new this year is the expansion of initiatives in the cities of Ouro Branco and Ipatinga, where some of its clients work. But the areas where RHI Magnesita has units, such as Brumado (BA) and Contagem (MG) also benefited, in this first four months, with the improvement, continuity and/or reactivation of social programs.
For the Communication and Institutional Relations Manager at RHI Magnesita in South America, Juliana Morato, the expansion of social projects aimed at the communities where the multinational’s clients are located shows the importance of this partnership. “We are committed to the ESG agenda, not just in our locations, but we believe we can do more elsewhere. Operating in new territories, where our clients are already located, in addition to strengthening our partnerships, encourages art and professional training in the region”, explains Morato.
Ouro Branco received two projects that have already started to make a difference in the community. The first is the Visual Arts Center (NAV), which values the region’s cultural heritage and entrepreneurship. Around 30 artisans are being trained to price their works, take care of packaging aesthetics and produce product photography. The course lasts four months and offers several mentoring meetings in partnership with the city hall, SENAI and the Ouro Branco Commercial Association.
A professional training project in the same municipality and with direct investment from RHI Magnesita is the “Professional Qualification in Refractory Builder”. It is part of the Aprimorar Program – a Gerdau initiative for the technical training of new professionals and also has a partnership with SESI/SENAI. Classes have already started to qualify 24 people in the refractory market – expertise from RHI Magnesita.
In partnership with Usiminas and Instituto Usiminas, the “Oficina dos Sonhos” will be launched in Ipatinga to train around 100 young people, aged 18 and over. They will have technical-industrial training, the opportunity to create pieces in iron and wood and learn how to solder. The materials created will be publicized at local fairs and exhibitions. The initiative will begin in early July and last 200 hours.
The NAV and “Oficina dos Sonhos” projects will be carried out by Zepellin, a partner of RHI Magnesita. These initiatives are encouraged via the Rouanet Law.
Sewing Love
RHI Magnesita reactivated a social project that was successful during the pandemic: “Costurando Amor”. Around 65 women in socioeconomic vulnerability, both in Contagem and Brumado, will produce ecobags with reusable materials, mattresses and pillows that will be purchased by the company.
“This program is different from others because we are generating a source of income for the women participating in the project. This resource will contribute to family income, generating job opportunities and training for them”, explains Lucilla Soledade, specialist in Community Relations at RHI Magnesita.
The Identid’Arte de Brumado Project – a sociocultural initiative offering free music classes (recorder, violin and classical viola), dance and theater – was expanded and gained two new instruments: cello and classical viola. The project has been going on for four years, serving 120 children and teenagers. Made possible by the Federal Culture Incentive Law and sponsored by RHI Magnesita, the courses last 12 months, contributing to the cultural training of our participants.
News
These social projects are just the first launches this year. New initiatives are arriving, such as the Football School in Santaluz and Porto de Aratu, benefiting more than 200 children and teenagers.
In 2023, RHI Magnesita invested more than R$2 million in 23 social projects that surround nine cities in Minas Gerais and Bahia, benefiting more than 20 thousand people. This year, the company, in addition to maintaining all existing projects, will embrace more than ten initiatives aimed at children, young people and adults in vulnerable situations.
About RHI Magnesita
RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high-quality refractory products, systems and solutions that are essential for high-temperature processes exceeding 1,200°C in a wide range of industries including steel, cement, non-ferrous metals and glass . With a vertically integrated value chain from raw materials to refractory products and fully performance-based solutions, RHI Magnesita serves customers around the world, with around 16,000 employees in 47 production units, 8 recycled facilities and more than 70 sales offices. RHI Magnesita aims to further expand into high-growth markets, leveraging its leadership in revenue, scale, product portfolio and diversified geographic presence.
The Group maintains a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (symbol: RHIM) and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index, with a secondary listing on the main segment of the Vienna Stock Exchange (Wiener Börse). For more information, visit: www.rhimagnesita.com.
