Vale has received the operating licence for activities related to the mine of the Serra Sul +20 Mtpy Project: a project that, once completed, will significantly increase the company’s production capacity and serve as a strategic platform for the sustainable growth of Vale’s iron ore production in Brazil, it says.
The operating licence, issued by the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA), is a significant milestone for the project, in line with the planned schedule, with commissioning expected to begin in the second half of 2026.
The project involves expanding the annual capacity of the S11D mine-plant, in the Northern System, by 20 Mt through initiatives such as developing new mining areas, installing a new semi-mobile crusher, duplicating the existing long-distance conveyor belt and implementing new processing lines at the plant.
With total estimated investments of $2.8 billion, the project has already reached 57% financial progress and 77% physical progress as of July 31.
Together, Serra Sul (+20 Mtpy), Vargem Grande, and Capanema comprise Vale’s set of strategic initiatives aimed at sustainably increasing production and enhancing the flexibility of its iron ore product portfolio, the company says.
