Vale Targets 200 Mtpa Iron Ore Production from Carajás by 2030
Vale has launched the Novo Carajás Program, a R$70 billion (approximately US$12 billion) investment initiative spanning 2025-2030 to resume and maintain iron ore volumes while expanding copper production in the Carajás region of Pará state, Brazil. The program was announced at a ceremony with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Production Targets
- Iron ore: Production rate of 200 million tonnes per year (Mtpa) from Carajás by 2030, supported by the Serra Sul expansion (S11D) and replacement of depleting mines
- Copper: 32% growth in regional copper production to approximately 350,000 tonnes
- Company-wide 2026 targets: 345 Mt of iron ore production, with total investment of US$5.4-5.7 billion across all operations
- Briquette plants: Investment decisions expected between 2026-2030 for innovative iron ore briquette production facilities
Key Development Projects
Vale is advancing multiple iron ore expansion projects across its operations. In the Northern System, the Serra Sul +20 and Compact Crushing projects are expected to start up in H2 2026, while S11D achieved a new Q2 production record of 23.4 Mt. The Capanema project ramp-up in the Southeastern System added 3.3 Mt year-on-year growth in Q2 2026. In the Southern System, the Vargem Grande complex's VGR1 plant is contributing to production recovery.
Sustainability and Innovation
Novo Carajás incorporates circular mining initiatives including the Gelado project, expected to produce 6 Mtpa from tailings reuse by 2030. Vale aims for 10% of total iron ore production to come from circular mining products. The program will contribute an estimated R$80-100 billion annually to Pará state's GDP and increase exports by R$15 billion from current levels, while maintaining Vale's commitment to protecting approximately 800,000 hectares of forests in the Carajás mosaic.
