Complying with the Votorantim Group’s internationalization process which started in 2001, in the last few years Votorantim Metais has been making investments and acquisitions abroad. The purpose of the strategy is to consolidate their participation as a global player and enhance their competitiveness.

Within this context, in 2004 the company acquired the mining company Refinería de Zinc Cajamarquilla in Peru. The company invested in doubling the output of the plant, which started to produce 320 thousand tons of zinc per year, marking the commencement of Indium metal production, a high added value metal used in the manufacturing of liquid crystal screens. The project received US$ 500 million in investment.

The presence in the Peruvian zinc market was increased in 2005, when VM acquired 24.88% of Companhia Mineradora Milpo shares. During the period from 2005 to 2008, Votorantim Metais invested US$ 288 million in Milpo and has recently taken the control of the company. In addition to having competitive energy resources, Peru is rich in mines, shows a stable economy and maintains one of the highest economic growths in Latin America.

American company U.S.Zinc, subsidiary of Aleris Internacional Inc., was acquired in 2007. The company is leader in the recycling of galvanized industrial waste, in the production of metal zinc and greater added value products such as zinc oxide and zinc dust, in the domestic market; and also has a branch with trading activities.

Learn about Votorantim Group’s international presence, click here.