Visionary Vigilance Via Video AI

Usiminas has deployed an artificial intelligence system at its Central de Monitoramento Ambiental in Ipatinga to analyse live video feeds from plant chimneys. The tool gauges smoke darkness, intensity, and duration, triggering alerts when pollution levels exceed set thresholds. The real-time alerts allow operators to respond immediately and intervene when abnormalities are detected.

Automated Alarms Amplify Emission Management

This AI-enhanced surveillance operates continuously, 24 hours a day, under all lighting conditions. It replaces subjective manual inspection and reduces human error. The automated system ensures swift detection of fugitive emissions, helping to prevent black dust events and uphold environmental standards .

Decisive Data Drives Environmental Discipline

Lucas Mesquita, director of Environment and Safety at Usiminas, underscores the importance of the tool in delivering precise emission data. The AI recently prompted a shutdown of cokery No 3 after opacity readings exceeded permissible limits,demonstrating its capability in proactive environmental governance .

Monumental Investment Moves Matters

Between 2019 and 2023, Usiminas allocated R$ 2.5 billion to environmental projects at Ipatinga, nearly R$ 500 million in new equipment and R$ 2 billion in operational spending. In 2023 alone, R$ 755 million was spent on upgrades such as filters, fog cannons, bag filters, electrostatic precipitators, and chimney flow meters.

Centralised Control Catalyses Continuous Compliance

The Environmental Monitoring Center, launched in 2020, integrates data from nine particulate monitoring stations, meteorological sensors, effluent systems, and the AI smoke detector. This comprehensive data platform enables constant vigilance and faster decision-making to reduce particulate matter emissions known locally as pó preto.

Sustainable Strategy & Smog Suppression

The AI system aligns with Usiminas’ decarbonisation plan targeting a 15 % CO₂ intensity decrease by 2030 compared to 2019. It complements initiatives like blast furnace modernization, biomass substitution, increased scrap usage, and higher renewable energy integration.

Community Care & Corporate Credibility

Environmental coordinator Diego Miranda remarks that real-time monitoring fosters transparency and trust with local communities. The system supports compliance with legal emission limits while reducing visible pollution. This demonstrates Usiminas’ responsibility as a corporate neighbour.

Innovation Infused into Investment Initiatives

This technological advancement follows a R$ 2.7 billion renovation of blast furnace No 3 in early 2024. It reflects Usiminas’ strategic integration of environmental, social, and governance factors into plant operations, melding innovation, investment, and sustainable outcomes .

4. Key Takeaways (Bullet Points)

• Usiminas uses AI to monitor smoke opacity in real time at Ipatinga, triggering immediate alerts and interventions.

• The company invested R$ 2.5 billion in environmental improvements from 2019 to 2023, including air filters and fog cannons.

• The AI deployment supports Usiminas’ goal to cut CO₂ intensity by 15 % by 2030 and enhances community transparency.