The growing demand for energy, the significant increases in prices of
fossil fuels and the environmental commitments have led ACESITA to
review its current energy sources and to aim at self-sufficiency in renewable
energy. ACESITA operates two blast furnaces with coke or charcoal
as reductant. With the recent investments in the ironmaking area
and in Acesita Energética, and with the combined mastering of blast
furnace operation and charcoal production, ACESITA will be prepared,
as of 2009, to operate its blast furnaces with 100% renewable fuel
(charcoal). Forest based charcoal production through a modern, environmentally,
socially and economically sustainable way is demonstrated.