Brazilian mining company Vale has inaugurated its first artificial intelligence-powered iron ore processing plant at the Conceição 2 facility in Minas Gerais, following a modernisation project that increased productivity by 25% in less than two years. The upgraded plant can now produce up to 11.2 million metric tons of iron ore annually, compared with 9 million tons in 2024. The project combines automation, advanced monitoring and data analytics to optimise more than 400 variables in the processing operation. Vale also reported a 40% increase in the share of direct reduction pellet feed, a product considered important for reducing emissions in steel production, alongside improved mineral recovery. The modernisation has reduced manual interventions and strengthened workplace safety through remote equipment operation and centralised monitoring. Vale Vice President of Operations Carlos Medeiros described the facility as a model for a new operating approach. The company plans to use the plant as a reference for modernising other operations.
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