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Announced Next to President Lula, the Plan Aims to Expand Iron Ore and Copper Production, Positioning Brazil as a Key Player in the Energy Transition
In one of the largest investment announcements in recent Brazilian history, Vale launched the New Carajás program. It is a package of R$ 70 billion in investments in the Amazon between 2025 and 2030, aimed at boosting iron ore and copper production, metals considered essential for the global energy transition.
The plan, presented on February 14, 2025, during a ceremony in Pará with the presence of President Lula, reinforces the strategic importance of the Carajás region and seeks to align the expansion of the mining company with a sustainability agenda and economic development, at a time when the company celebrates 40 years of operations in the region.
The Ambitious Goals of New Carajás
The New Carajás program has clear and large-scale objectives. The main goal is to increase the annual iron ore production of the Northern System, which today is responsible for 60% of all ore exported by Brazil. The target is to jump from 177.5 million tons produced in 2024 to 200 million tons by 2030.
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Besides iron, copper is a major bet. The plan anticipates a 32% increase in the extraction of the metal, reaching approximately 350 thousand tons per year. With this, Vale and Brazil position themselves as a key supplier of one of the most critical minerals for the manufacturing of electric vehicles and clean energy technologies.
Dry Mining, The Bet on a More Sustainable Operation
One of the pillars of Vale’s discourse for the New Carajás is the commitment to reducing environmental impacts. The company emphasizes that its operations in Carajás utilize cutting-edge technology, primarily dry mining. This beneficiation method uses the natural moisture of the region’s high-quality ore, drastically reducing water consumption and, most importantly, eliminating the need for new tailings dams.
This technological approach is a direct response to growing concerns about safety and the environment, seeking to present a more responsible mining model, especially as it is located in the Amazon.
The Economic Impact and The Alliance with The Government
The announcement of the program, which marks 40 years of Vale in Carajás, was seen as a gesture of rapprochement with the federal government. President Lula and his ministers have been demanding greater dialogue from the company and a more active socioeconomic role in the country. The investment of R$ 70 billion is a direct response to this appeal.
The impact on the local economy is expected to be significant. The estimate is that the expansion could add R$ 15 billion per year to the exports of the state of Pará, strengthening the region’s economy. The government’s support for the project shows a strategic alliance, where the mining company’s expansion is seen as a driver for national development.
The Future of Vale in The Amazon with The New Carajás Program
With the New Carajás program, Vale not only expands its production but also positions itself as a fundamental company for the so-called “green economy.” By focusing on high-quality iron ore and copper, the company meets global demand for essential materials for a low-carbon future.
However, the initiative does not happen without controversy. The expansion of a mining frontier in the Amazon is subject to criticism from environmentalists, who question the feasibility of a project of this magnitude in such a sensitive area. The success of the program will depend on Vale’s ability to balance its growth ambition with a real commitment to environmental preservation and the social development of local communities.
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