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Brazil
Itabira Complex (Southeastern System)

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 Location:
1 km SW from Itabira, Brazil

  Address:
Serra do Esmeril
Itabira
Brazil
35900-900
Phone  ...  Subscription required
WebsiteWeb
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Overview

StageProduction
Mine TypeOpen Pit
Commodities
  • Iron Ore
Mining Method
  • Truck & Shovel / Loader
Processing
  • Spiral concentrator / separator
  • Flotation
  • Magnetic separation
Mine Life2041
The Itabira integrated operation includes Conceição and Minas do Meio mines.
Latest NewsIron ore prices soar as Vale shuts mines down     June 9, 2020


Owners

Source: p. 47
CompanyInterestOwnership
Vale S.A. 100 % Indirect

Deposit Type

  • Banded iron formation


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 chemical characteristics as Compact Hematite, Friable Hematite, and Goethitic / Argilitic Hematite. Its origin is related to hydrothermal or metasomatic processes.

Itabirite: Itabirite is a term widely used in Brazil to denote a metamorphosed iron formation composed of iron oxides (hematite, magnetite, and martite), abundant quartz, very rarely mica, and other accessory minerals. It may be foliated or compact. The un-enriched (poor) itabirites from the Quadrilatero Ferrffero tend to have little magnetite, and composed principally of quartz-hematite, quartz-hematite-carbonate and hematite-carbonate. Itabirite represents the majority of reserves and resources of the Iron Quadrangle deposits. According to Vale, it was originated by silica leaching and residual iron-oxide enrichment process during post-metamorphic weathering cycles. The iron content averages about 45 percent, and occasionally it may reach up to 60 percent. The Itabirite ore is classified according to its physical and chemical characteristics as Compact Itabirite, Friable Itabirite, Goethitic / Argilitic Itabirite or Ochre.

Canga: Canga ore consists of unconsolidated talus material formed by the weathering of the iron formation. The iron content ranges significantly, with generally high concentration of phosphorous and alumina.

Rolados: A second detrital mineralization type. Consists of a ferruginous or lateritic matrix with fragments and blocks of different materials such as hematite, itabirite, quartz; high Fe grade, with high contaminant levels, such as P and Al203.s.


Mining Methods

  • Truck & Shovel / Loader


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.


Crushing and Grinding


Processing

  • Spiral concentrator / separator
  • Flotation
  • Magnetic separation

Source: Subscription required

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:

CommodityParameter2021202020192018201720162015
Iron Ore Recovery Rate, %  ......  Subscription required  ......  Subscription required  ......  Subscription required5050.949.655.2

Production:

CommodityUnits2021202020192018201720162015
Iron Ore kt  ......  Subscription required  ......  Subscription required  ......  Subscription required41,70037,80033,40035,500
All production numbers are expressed as concentrate.
Subscription required - Subscription is required.

Operational Metrics:

Metrics2015
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:

CategoryTonnage CommodityGrade
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 %


Heavy Mobile Equipment:

Mine Management:

Job TitleNameProfileRef. Date
....................... Subscription required ....................... Subscription required Subscription required Jun 6, 2022
....................... Subscription required ....................... Subscription required Subscription required Jun 6, 2022
....................... Subscription required ....................... Subscription required Subscription required Jun 6, 2022
....................... Subscription required ....................... Subscription required Subscription required Jun 6, 2022
....................... Subscription required ....................... Subscription required Subscription required Jun 6, 2022
Subscription required - Subscription is required.


Corporate Filings & Presentations:

DocumentYear
................................... Subscription required 2021
................................... Subscription required 2020
................................... Subscription required 2019
Form 20-F 2018
Form 20-F 2017
Form 20-F 2016
Form 20-F 2015
Form 20-F 2014
Form 20-F 2013
Form 20-F 2012
Form 20-F 2011
Technical Report 2009
Technical Report 2005
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News:

NewsDate
Iron ore prices soar as Vale shuts mines down June 9, 2020

Aerial view:

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