Overview
| Stage | Production |
| Mine Type | Open Pit |
| Commodities |
|
| Mining Method |
|
| Processing |
- Spiral concentrator / separator
- Flotation
- Magnetic separation
|
| Production Start | ...  |
| Mine Life | 2041 |
The Itabira integrated operation includes Conceição and Minas do Meio mines. |
Source:
p. 47
| Company | Interest | Ownership |
|
Vale S.A.
|
100 %
|
Indirect
|
Contractors
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Summary:
The Southeastern System mines are located in the Quadrilatero Femfero (Iron Quadrangle).
Ore reserves with high ratios of itabirite ore relative to hematite ore type. Itabirite ore has iron grade of 35-60%.
The Itabira complex is located in the northeastern corner of the Quadrilatero Femfero (Iron Quadrangle). It is enclosed by a local geologic structure that appears separated from the regional Iron Formation. The geologic structure consists of a 14-kilometer long, NE-trending range that shows three main synclines at both extremes (Conceicao and Caue) and middle (Minas do Meio) sections. The synclines branch out to the west from the general structure, and have created appropriate conditions to hold massive concentrations of the iron mineralization.
High-grade ores of Hematite and Itabirite, in continuous occurrence, are extracted along the structure, from the Conceicao mine at the southwest end to the Caue mine in the NE side of the range. The ore reserves at the Caue have been depleted. The Minas do Meio mine consists of numerous deposits located along the geologic structure, such as the Corpo D, Periquito, Dois Corregos, Onca, and Chacrinha.
The main iron ore types in the Iron Quadrangle are:
Hematite: Hematite represents the high-grade ore type within the iron deposit. The iron content varies from 65 to 67 percent. It is either massive or foliated in nature. The hematite is classified according to its physical and che ........
Summary:
Itabira mining complex is located at Iron Quadrangle region, State of Minas Gerais in Brazil and comprises two mines, with three major beneficiation plants.
Open pit mining is conducted via conventional truck and shovel mining method. Extracted ore has a high ratios of itabirite ore relative to hematite ore type. Itabirite ore type has iron grade of 35-60%. Part of the ore is concentrated to achieve shipping grade and part is shipped and blended in Asia with the high-grade ore from our Northern System.
Processing
- Spiral concentrator / separator
- Flotation
- Magnetic separation
Source:
Summary:
The beneficiation process for the run of mine consists of standard crushing, classification and concentration steps, producing sinter feed, lump ore and pellet feed.
Recoveries & Grades:
| Commodity | Parameter | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|
Iron Ore
|
Recovery Rate, %
| ...... | ...... | ...... | 50 | 50.9 | 49.6 | 55.2 |
Production:
| Commodity | Units | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|
Iron Ore
|
kt
| ...... | ...... | ...... | 41,700 | 37,800 | 33,400 | 35,500 |
All production numbers are expressed as concentrate.
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Operational Metrics:
| Metrics | 2015 |
|
Annual production capacity
| 16.5 Mt of iron ore pellets |
|
Annual production capacity
| 7.2 Mt of iron ore sinter |
Reserves at December 31, 2021:
| Category | Tonnage | Commodity | Grade |
|
Proven
|
327.1 Mt
|
Iron
|
48.2 %
|
|
Probable
|
595.8 Mt
|
Iron
|
44.2 %
|
|
Proven & Probable
|
922.9 Mt
|
Iron
|
45.6 %
|
|
Measured
|
170.9 Mt
|
Iron
|
52.6 %
|
|
Indicated
|
303.2 Mt
|
Iron
|
45.5 %
|
|
Measured & Indicated
|
474.1 Mt
|
Iron
|
48 %
|
|
Inferred
|
257.7 Mt
|
Iron
|
41.9 %
|
Corporate Filings & Presentations:
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Aerial view:
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