President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva participated on Friday (14), in Parauapebas (PA), the announcement of investments of R $ 70 billion from Vale until 2030 in the expansion of iron mining and copper in Carajás.
The project includes the mines in operation, expansions and new targets, to boost the benefit of critical minerals for the production of green steel (high quality iron ore) and metal for energy transition (copper), considered essential for the reduction of carbon emissions.
The production of iron ore in Carajás is expected to reach 200 million tons per year in 2030. In the case of copper, the expected growth is 32%, increasing production in the region to about 350 thousand tons.
At the event, Lula said Vale was considered one of the most important mining companies in the world and today is in 14th place. “If it depends on the government, Vale will once again occupy the first places in mining companies in the world.”
The president also recalled the breaking of the dams of Mariana and Brumadinho, in Minas Gerais, noting that, like the victims, Vale also did not deserve what happened. “No one deserves to lose the family, and we never recover. And it’s not just the people who didn’t deserve it, Vale, for her history, didn’t deserve either. At some point, someone was sloppy, at some point actually acted totally irresponsibly, ”said Lula.
Vale’s president, Gustavo Pimenta, recalled that Carajás has a huge potential for copper production, with one of the five largest reserves in the world. “Copper is one of the most important minerals to ensure the acceleration of energy transition, electrifying the world.”
The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, highlighted the protagonism of Brazil in mining. “If today our mining represents 3% of GDP, the goal is to reach 6% in a decade.”
The governor of Pará, Helder Barbalho, asked President Lula’s collaboration to take an old promise from the Vale to complete the stretch of the North-South Railroad that connects Açailândia (MA) to Vila do Conde (PA). “It will be an important legacy for the economy of Pará and the country,” he said.
