The demand for QIT products was so high that another significant expansion project was soon in the works. Initiated in 1974, the project would increase production capacity by more than one million tonnes. It would also include an impressive equipment-modernization and anti-pollution program. Numerous projects affecting all of the mine’s production plants and the metallurgical complex improved equipment performance, as well as working conditions. Air purification and noise reduction were the main goals. This was the beginning of greater environmental awareness.