OREANDA-NEWS. Present in various mining processes, water is one of the natural resources we most use in our core activity. Consequently, “reduce and reuse” is a basic motto for Vale. Read about where we use water resources:

Mining and ore processing

Sprinkling of mining tracks and piles

Washing of trucks and machinery

Human consumption

Our annual Sustainability Report, presents a consolidated view of all the efforts we made in 2011 to fulfill our mission of transforming natural resources into prosperity and sustainable development. It contains a special chapter about water. Below you can read about some other initiatives that are currently under way. These projects, run by various areas of the company, are using technology and creativity to help preserve this precious resource.

Shifting paradigms

Ore processing entails separating valuable material contained in minerals from impurities (waste rock). In 2008, in Carajas, Para, we ran a pioneering trial project to classify iron ore using its natural moisture, eliminating the need to use water. This initiative has enabled us to recover 100% of ore, meaning that we produce no waste.

It took years of study to develop this technique, which has shifted a series of paradigms in the mining industry. The new method has already been implemented in seven of the company’s processing lines, enabling a 63% reduction in total extraction of new water from reservoirs. This dry processing technology will also be present in S11D, the biggest project in Vale’s history and indeed in the iron ore industry. Consequently, when they are operating, the S11D mine and plant will consume 93% less water than would be the case if they used the conventional processing method.

A saving that falls from the sky

Rainwater collection systems have been installed in many of Vale’s logistics operations across Brazil. This simple measure has saved 7,000 cubic metres of water, enough to fill nearly three Olympic-sized swimming pools.

We need to economize

In Para, water used to wash equipment and parts is channelled into a physical and chemical treatment system that separates water from effluents such as oil. After this, the water flows into a reuse tank and is available to be used once more.

Another water-saving initiative has been implemented at Vale’s copper plant in Sossego, also in Para. Alternative lines and valves made of carbon steel have been manufactured and installed to guarantee maximum water recirculation in the production process and to increase pressure in sealing pumps. As a result, Vale no longer uses raw water in the copper production process and the company has reduced its consumption of electricity and fossil fuels, and its generation of solid waste. The planet appreciates these efforts.