Brazil’s Vale resumed production at its 7mn mt per year pelletizing plant in Vargem Grande, Nova Lima in the state of Mina Gerais on Jan 21. The plant is expected to produce 4-5mn mt in 2021, Vale said in a statement on Jan 22.
The plant halted operations in February 2019 to guarantee the stability of its dams.
Contrary to earlier media reports, Vale also clarified in a statement that it was on track to produce 315- 335mn mt of iron ore this year and that the fire incident at the Ponta da Madeira Maritime Terminal (TPPM), in São Luís, Maranhão, will not impact its the monthly iron ore shipment schedule.
TPPM, which has a loading capacity of around 230mn mt per year. Vale exports iron ore to China, Japan, South Korea, Omã, Holland, and Italy from this port.