When weather patterns change, being prepared makes a difference. As part of its efforts to prepare for the potential effects of El Niño, Porto Sudeste has been testing new types of polymers to assess solutions that can enhance the protection of ore stockpiles during periods of heavy rainfall.

The product being tested, called Green Carpet Plus, is applied to the surface of the stockpiles and, after curing, forms a water-repellent crust. This layer promotes water runoff and slows its absorption into the ore, helping to limit increases in moisture levels and reduce the operational risks associated with rainy periods.

“Anticipating the potential impacts of weather conditions is part of our planning. The test will allow us to assess the product’s performance under heavy rainfall and its contribution to stockpile protection and operational efficiency,” says Jones dos Santos, Industrial Cleaning Coordinator at Porto Sudeste.

According to Vinicius Mantovani, Director of Technology at Benetech, the initiative was jointly developed to address more severe weather conditions. “Green Carpet Plus was developed to repel rainwater and slow its penetration into the ore. Through this test, we aim to contribute to stockpile stability and reduce excess moisture in the material being shipped,” he explains.

In addition to its operational purpose, the color selected for the test carries an important message. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the polymer was applied in pink, reinforcing the importance of awareness and health care among employees. The color also helps teams assess the uniformity of the application and identify any areas that may require additional coverage.

The use of polymers is already part of Porto Sudeste’s environmental controls. During drier periods, these products form a protective film over the stockpiles, reducing the dispersion of windblown particles and the need for additional water application. The new test expands the assessment of this technology to conditions involving higher volumes of rainfall.

The initiative is part of a preventive approach supported by weather monitoring. At the terminal, information on wind conditions, gusts, and the likelihood of rain is tracked through a monitoring program and cameras installed across operational areas. This data allows measures to be adjusted according to weather conditions.