Brazilian miner and iron ore producer Vale said it received approval from Brazil’s mining agency, ANM, to resume “dry” iron ore operations at its Vargem Grande complex, as the process does not require the use of upstream dams like Brumadinho.
Iron ore output at the Vargem Grande complex was halted on February 20, following a decision by the mining regulator to avoid eventual issues with the mine’s dam stability.
Vale said ANM’s approval to resume operations will allow the mine to “partially” and “gradually” resume operations.
Vale estimated the complex would produce 5 million mt/year this 2019. Vale also reaffirmed its forecast to sell about 302-332 million mt/year of iron ore in 2019.