Mining company Vale announces more than 35 new locomotives to unite railway and clean energy

Vale is revolutionizing rail transportation! With new locomotives from Wabtec, the company is advancing in the decarbonization and modernization of the EFVM and EFC railways.

A Vale, a giant in the mineral sector, announced a significant investment for the future of its rail operations.

The mining company has signed an agreement with Wabtec Corporation, one of the leaders in the locomotive sector, for the acquisition of 50 new Evolution series locomotives.

These new machines will be integrated into the railway networks of Vitoria to Minas Railway (EFVM) and Carajás Railway (EFC), two of the main logistics corridors in Brazil.

Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2026, an important step for the company on its modernization and sustainability journey.

Why is Vale investing in Evolution locomotives?

Vale’s focus goes beyond modernizing its fleet.

With this investment, the mining company seeks to improve operational efficiency and reduce pollutant gas emissions, with the aim of contributing to the decarbonization of the railway sector.

The use of more modern and efficient locomotives not only guarantees better economic results, but also aligns Vale with main global sustainability goals.

Second Carlos Medeiros, Vale's Vice President of Operations, “the choice of the Evolution series locomotives reflects the solid reputation of the technology, which is combined with our commitment to sustainability, efficiency and safety”.

The new fleet will be an essential part of the mining company's plan to reduce your carbon footprint and optimize your logistics processes.

Technology and sustainability on board

The locomotives acquired by Vale are from the Evolution line, by Wabtec, and have cutting edge technology to optimize railway operations.

Among the main differences, the following stand out: fuel economy, longer maintenance intervals e reduction in operating costs.

With AC traction motors, locomotives offer more than 50% higher traction capacity, providing more power and efficiency.

Biodiesel: the key to a greener future

Another major difference in Vale's new locomotives is their ability to operate with a larger blend of biodiesel, which significantly reduces the greenhouse gas emissions.

The company and Wabtec have plans to test and even increase this proportion of biodiesel in the future.

The use of alternative fuels is a crucial step towards decarbonize the rail industry, which historically depends on fossil fuels.

According to a Danilo Miyasato, president of Wabtec for Latin America, “we are proud to support Vale with technologies that not only reduce CO2 emissions, but also bring operational efficiency for logistics processes”.

For Miyasato, the partnership with Vale is a clear example of how the private sector can invest in sustainable technologies without compromising competitiveness.

Innovation and comfort for operators

Evolution locomotives are not only more efficient, but also more comfortable.

The cabins were designed to offer improved ergonomics to operators, with more space and easily accessible systems, which facilitates maintenance and operation.

This focus on worker comfort aims to increase productivity and safety during long journeys inside locomotives.

In addition, the new locomotives will bring advanced monitoring and diagnostic systems to ensure a optimized performance e predictive maintenance, contributing to the long-term cost reduction.

The decarbonization of the Brazilian railway sector

Brazil, with its vast railway network, has a great opportunity to move towards a more sustainable mobility.

Vale, with its new Evolution locomotives, is leading this movement by applying new technologies to reduce carbon footprint of its operations.

The use of biodiesel , the combustlevel Alternative fuel is not new, but Vale is among the pioneers in integrating these technologies on a large scale, with plans to increase the proportion of biodiesel in the coming years.

Furthermore, the investment in Evolution locomotives reflects Vale's commitment to not only comply with environmental requirements, but also to contribute to evolution of rail transport in Brazil.

By integrating the most modern locomotives on the market, the mining company guarantees reduction in fuel consumption e reduction in CO2 emissions, aligning with global sustainability goals.

The transformation of the railway sector with Vale

The Brazilian railway sector, especially the mining segment, plays a crucial role in freight logistics of the country, mainly in the flow of iron ore and other natural resources.

O Carajás Railway logistics corridor is one of the most important in Brazil, and Vale has invested heavily to make this system more efficient and sustainable.

Innovation in the railway sector does not stop there. The expectation is that, over the next few years, other companies in the sector will also follow Vale's example and adopt clean technologies in its operations, promoting a Greener path to the future of logistics in Brazil.

Promising future for railway decarbonization

Vale's decision to renew its fleet with Evolution series locomotives It is just one of the many steps the mining company will take towards sustainability.

The commitment to emissions reduction and operational efficiency should transform railway logistics not only at Vale, but also in the operations of other companies seeking to align themselves with the new environmental standards.

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, Vale is positioning itself as a leader in development of clean technologies.

With the renewal of its railway fleet and the use of alternative fuels, the mining company is moving towards an operating model that prioritizes environmental preservation without sacrificing operational efficiency.

Do you think other mining companies will follow Vale’s example and invest in cleaner locomotives? Leave your opinion in the comments!