Vale Starts Wet Processing at Vargem Grande 1 Project


Vale adjusted the water circuit and the waste containment system at the VGR1 plant. (Photo: Vale)
Vale announces that it has started the commissioning of wet processing operations for the Vargem Grande 1 Project, which will allow the company to resume approximately 15 million metric tons per year (mt/y) of iron ore production at the Vargem Grande complex in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

The VGR1 Plant has been operating with natural moisture since 2019 due to the unavailability of water capture and disposal at the Vargem Grande dam, which is undergoing the de-characterization process.

The project consists of adjusting the water circuit and waste containment system at VGR1, with the implementation of new assets allowing for the resumption of wet-concentration operations. As a result, the average quality of the site is expected to improve by approximately 2% of contained iron.

Vargem Grande 1 was completed within budget and the commissioning started one month ahead of schedule. Vale said the project represents an important step toward achieving its iron ore production guidance of 340-360 million mt in 2026.

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