OREANDA-NEWS. The Additional 40 project plant in Carajas, Para, has entered the production test phase and is preparing to receive its operating licence. From now on, the work will involve making adjustments and corrections in order to guarantee the full functioning of the plant.

The plant will start to operate at full capacity in the first half of 2014, which will increase production of iron ore at the Carajas Mining Complex by 40 million metric tons per year. This new amount will increase the unit's current capacity by 35%, 110 million metric tons having been produced in 2012.

Cutting-edge technology

One of the factors that sets the Additional 40 project apart is its use of innovative technology that provides operational and environmental benefits for the project. The most noteworthy of these is its ore production process that uses natural moisture and does not require water. The technology adopted allows for a reduction in energy and water consumption throughout the system and eliminates waste products formed during the production process.