Located in the south of Minas Gerais, the Poços de Caldas unit distinguishes itself through its investment in sustainable development. Examples include the installation of sophisticated environmental control equipment in the unit, the reuse of materials to economize fossil fuels, the reuse of water from the plant (Zero Discharge Project) to the rehabilitation of mined areas. This pioneering work in Brazil has been recognized worldwide and even served as a model for the Rehabilitation of Mined Areas Manual, produced by IBAMA (Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Natural Renewable Resources).

Another example of environmental responsibility is the Alcoa–Poços Environmental Park, inaugurated in May, 1993 and established as a Natural Heritage Private Reserve (RPPN) in 1999. The park covers approximately 216 hectares and has huge biodiversity. This park introduced the implementation of nature trails in rehabilitated bauxite mine areas in Minas Gerais. It includes a 300 meter long trail ending in a outlook point which allows community members to see firsthand the extensive restored areas.