The Capanema mine (above) will use dry processing to eliminate tailings. (Photo: Vale)

“We are restarting operations at the Capanema mine using safe, efficient and sustainable practices,” said Gustavo Pimenta, CEO of Vale. “Capanema will produce sinter feed at low cost and will not generate tailings. The mine will use autonomous trucks, which will improve safety and reduce CO2 emissions from the operation.”

Dry processing, already accounts for more than 70% of the Vale’s iron ore production in Brazil. The method has fewer production stages, with less environmental impact, and eliminates the need for water in the processing, thus avoiding the generation of tailings.

A significant investment was made to reactivate and restart the Capanema mine. The entire fleet of haul trucks at the Capanema mine will be autonomous, promoting greater safety and efficiency in operations. The automation of processes, as well as the integration of the Mariana Complex mines by conveyor belt, according to Vale, will reduce emissions by 160 tons of CO2e per year.

A 17-km conveyor connects Capanema to a rail terminal at the Timbopeba mine in Ouro Preto. Adjustments were also made to the product stocking and loading yard at Timbopeba to transport product via the Vitória-Minas Railway to the Port of Tubarão, in Espírito Santo. Vale is positioning the project as an important step toward achieving the company’s iron ore production guidance of 340-360 million mt in 2026.