VMC, Stakeholder’s subsidiary in Brazil operates a quartzite quarry in a region locals call the Riberao (the stream) on the border between two municipalities: Alvorada de Minas and Dom Joaquim.  The region is primarily agricultural producing milk, cheese and beef.

Soon after the start of commercial production at the company’s first quarry in 2021, VMC participated in several projects to improve local infrastructure and support the community.  Though each project was small in scope, VMC has endeavoured to focus on initiatives which deliver the maximum possible benefits to our neighbours.

Roadworks – Ribeirão, Alvorada de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brasil

The first project undertaken by VMC to help our neighbours was to improve the quality of the roads in the vicinity of the quarry. Historically, during rainy seasons, roads around Alvorada de Minas are washed out and left slick with mud leaving many families cut off for weeks waiting for the roads to dry out.  The result was that school buses could not pick up children, milk and freshwater trucks could not make deliveries, and many other other services could not be provided. Together with the municipalities of Dom Joaquim and Alvorada de Minas, VMC shored up some 30 km of roads as well as three small bridges through 2022 and 2023.  This work greatly improved access to basic services during the rainy season.  One result was that for the first time teachers and children were able to attend schoolyear round.

Social – Associacao dos Moradores de Ribeirão de Trás

VMC helped the association purchase an industrial stove, renovate the meeting hall and pay for community related legal work.  This project was run by a hardworking woman who had a vision that given the resources, the woman of the countryside in the Ribeirão could start a bakery and generate extra income for themselves.  The ask was modest and VMC had the manpower available to kickstart the association’s plans. Progress has recently been curtailed as a result of red tape.

Soccer Field Lighting - Dom Joaquim, Minas Gerais, Brasil

Lighting for two soccer fields in Dom Joaquim (google maps at -18.809074, -43.235638 and -18.947302, -43.335944) has  been installed. For a modest outlay of materials and labour lighting posts were installed on two separate soccer fields. Residents of Dom Joaquim can play soccer after school on a well maintained and safe pitch.

Environment - Nature hikes in Alvorada de Minas

VMC provides support to the Secretary of the Environment who organizes nature walks (Caminada Ecologica) into the forests of Alvorada de Minas every year.  The hikes, which range between 9 and 12 km, make several stops at waterfalls and other natural points of interest. By showcasing the natural beauty of its forests, the Municipality of Alvorada de Minas aims to increase interest in the environment and encourage outdoor exercise. The walks have been increasingly popular often  hosting participation of more than 350 people.

Renovations - Alvorada de Minas

Alvorada de Minas is an old city and often presents opportunities for VMC to support maintenance and preservation of older structures.  In 2023, Alvorada’s main church, Igreja Matriz de Santo Antônio, was professionally renovated.  There was no budget to fix the rectory’s leaky roof, so VMC workers and their neighbours replaced the roof tiles over two weekends.