OREANDA-NEWS. The Additional 40 project, which consists of a new dry processing plant, started up. This plant will expand iron ore production at our m?ining complex in Carajas, Para, by 40 million metric tons per year. The project will permit a 35% expansion in output at Carajas Mine, which produced 110 million metric tons in 2012.

The new plant is now at the ramp-up phase, involving a gradual increase in production, and by the end of this year it will be processing 4.9 million metric tons of iron ore per month. We now need to monitor operations, making adjustments and corrections to guarantee that the plant is fully functioning. The plant is expected to be working at full capacity in the first half of 2014.

Cutting-edge technology

One of the distinctive aspects of the Additional 40 project is its use of innovative technologies, generating operational and environmental benefits. Most notably, the plant processes ore using its natural moisture rather than water. This technology enables lower energy and water consumption during processing and eliminates waste from the production process.

Carajas

Producing millions of tons of iron ore every year, Carajas is the biggest open-pit mine in the world. Located inside Carajas National Forest, the mine's four pits occupy just 3% of the forest's total area.