The history of the Cana Brava mine - controlled by SAMA S.A. - Minerações Associadas - is confounded with the development process of the inland Brazil in the second half of the 20th Century, particularly in the Central-Western region. The first pioneers who arrived at the place, in 1962, searched for clues of strange "hairy stones" in a region occupied by a few families living along the rivers.

Five years later, after confirming the existence of chrysotile asbestos, the mine started being exploited, contributing for the appearance of the City of Minaçu, located 510 km far from Goiânia, in the Northern State of Goiás. In addition to the city creation, the mining allowed the beginning of a process of fast economic development, with generation of wealth and employments, allied to the preservation of the natural resources.
Within a little time, Cana Brava mine provided Brazil with self-sufficiency in the production of chrysotile asbestos, exceeding the requirements of the domestic market and allowing the export of fiber to several countries.
Cana Brava is the only chrysotile asbestos mine in activity in Brazil and one of the world’s most productive mines, with installed capacity of 240 thousand tons/year, having a modern industrial park, which serves as reference for the main mining companies of the world.

Cana Brava mine is 2.7 km long and 1 km wide, with a depth of 130 meters, which characteristics ensure the reserves for more 60 years of open pit extraction.
With such dimensions, SAMA is among the most important chrysotile asbestos producers of the world, competing with the world’s largest companies of such segment. Such outstanding position was achieved thanks to a rigorous program of investments in essential areas of the company, such as safety, workers’ health and environment preservation.

Considered as worldwide reference in mining, SAMA has been increasing its share in the international market every year, due to the high reputation of its products and services. With 40% of its production currently sent to export, Cana Brava Chrysotile Fiber is present in more than 20 countries of the Asia, Latin America, Africa and Middle East, with emphasis to India, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Colombia, Nigeria, United Arab Emirates and Iran.
The quality stability and the flexibility to develop products and packages in perfect compliance with the customers’ specifications and requirements have been essential factors to achieve the preference of the main asbestos cement manufacturers.