Alunorte will be included in the list of ISO’s Technical Committee Members, the first in its segment. The certification means that the refinery meets legal requirements, national and international regulations, and demonstrates the company's commitment to continuous improvement of its systems.

For the certification, a plan was carried out throughout 2020, which was concluded with the visit of the external auditors at the end of the year.

By being certified by ISO 55001, the company also confirms that it is contributing directly to the seven Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, which is in alignment with Hydro's Social Responsibility strategy. The SDGs deal with sustainable water management; clean energy; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; and action against global climate change.

For Michel Lisboa, Alunorte's industrial director, the ISO 55001 certification reaffirms Hydro’s commitment to maintaining world-class operations. “This certification confirms that our processes are reliable and that we are a sustainable company. For the market and our customers, it demonstrates the seriousness and commitment of the company, confirming that we are a reliable partner. For the community and authorities, the seriousness in dealing with the processes is clear, and the employees realize that they are in a company that positions itself as the market leader,” he says.

Among the assets evaluated are the operation equipment, the unit's physical structures, and the company's institutional image. “Our preparation had continuity, even with all the challenges during the pandemic, respecting the strictest safety standards. Now, we have the responsibility to maintain this certification and increasingly improve our processes with a focus on excellence in asset management,” Luís Augusto Linhares Santos, Alunorte's executive manager.

In addition to the asset management system, the refinery is certified with:

• ISO 9001, which assesses the quality management of the processes
• ISO 14001, which verifies that the company follows the environmental management standards
• ISO 45001, which ensures excellence in health and safety management, and
• SA 8000, a seal that attests to the excellence of the social responsibility actions, involving all stakeholders in the company's operations.

The aluminum industry also has its own certifications, Alunorte already achieving two from the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative: ASI Performance, which observes compliance with basic management requirements, and ASI Chain of Custody, created to encourage the adoption of product traceability and post-sale.