Brazilian mining giant Vale has started the commissioning of the Capanema Maximization Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, with the goal of increasing annual iron ore production by roughly 15 million tons.

This plan is part of the Mariana Operational Complex, which was expected to have an annual production of 3.4-3.6 million tons by 2026.

Operations will use natural moisture processing, eliminating the need for water and tailings dams, reducing environmental impact and avoiding waste use and waste generation.

To restart the Capanema mine, Vale invested in a long-distance belt conveyor system and upgraded the Timbopeba railway terminal to automate transportation. This improvement was expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 160 tons of CO₂ equivalent every year, equivalent to the emissions from 127 cars.

Vale CEO Gustavo Pimenta said the project will operate in a safer, more efficient, and sustainable manner and reduce CO2 emissions from the operation.