The Gerdau Group's commitment to protecting the future of coming generations is reflected in its day-to-day practices, in its ongoing investments for the modernization of industrial equipment and in its programs to encourage environmental awareness in its communities and its employees

   The largest recycler in Latin America and one of the largest in the world, the Company plays an important role in improving quality of life, processing metallic scrap and expanding economic activity. In 2002, it used 6.4 million metric tons of steel scrap, transforming this raw material into new steel products.

  This year, the Company's environmental practices were again recognized. Gerdau AZA was chosen among more than 300 Chilean companies to receive the Quality Award for Liquid Industrial Waste Management, presented by the Sanitary Services Superintendency.