Photo: Léo Lopes
Vale has begun commissioning its Capanema project, located 80 kilometers from Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Part of its Marianna complex, the project is set to strengthen the miner’s iron ore production by 15 million tons annually.
“We are resuming operations at the Capanema mine with safer, more efficient and sustainable practices. Capanema will produce sinter feed at a low cost and without generating tailings. The mine will use autonomous trucks, providing greater safety and reducing CO2 emissions from the operation,” said Gustavo Pimenta, CEO of Vale.
Capanema will expand Vale’s natural moisture production or dry processing, which already accounts for more than 70% of the company’s entire iron ore production in Brazil. The method has fewer production steps, reduces environmental impact, eliminates the need for water in processing, and does not generate waste.
In order to resume operations, Vale has invested in the reactivation process. It also added a long-distance belt conveyor (LTC) system to transport the iron ore produced in Capanema to Timbopeba, in the city of Ouro Preto. The LTC was installed in an internal area of the company, connecting the units and reducing truck traffic in the region. Adjustments were also made to the product storage and loading yard at the Timbopeba railway terminal to transport the production via the Vitória-Minas Railway (EFVM) to the Port of Tubarão, in Espírito Santo.
The project represents an important step for Vale to achieve its iron ore production guidance of 340-360 million tons in 2026, adding flexibility to the company’s operations and product portfolio.
Source: Vale