OREANDA-NEWS. The initial blasting at the N4WS pit in Carajas took place on Monday, December 15. Vale obtained the operating licence (OL) to enlarge the pit on November 05, 2014. The licence was issued by the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA).

The operational start-up is an important benchmark for the growth plan for Vale's iron ore production over the coming years. The opening of the N4WS pit comes at a time when other Carajas mines are nearing depletion and this operation will guarantee the increase in the complex's future production. The operation will initially involve 31 off-road trucks, the majority being 400-ton units.

Processing based on Natural Moisture

Vale is currently developing a number of technologies and processes at Carajas to reduce and reutilize water. At the present time, 50% of our processing is achieved through the use of natural humidity. By 2016, 100% of the operations at this location will be using this technology.