CSN to focus on mine expansion

CSN to focus on mine expansion

Brazilian steel producer Companhia Siderurgica Nacional (CSN) is planning to expand Casa de Pedra iron ore mine in 2005, and not to expand its steel capacity in Brazil. The project aims to increase capacity of Casa de Pedra mine from the current 16 million tons to 24 million tons by mid-2006. In the second phase, the capacity is planned to be increased to 40 million tons by mid-2007. Moreover, CSN is planning to build a 6 million-ton pellet plant. The iron ore pellets will be used in CSN's blast furnaces.