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Vale Confirms Billion-Dollar Investments in Minas Gerais by 2030, Prioritizing Damless Mining, Waste Reuse, and Modernization of Operations.
Vale announced that it will invest R$ 67 billion in Minas Gerais by 2030, in a plan that aims to reduce environmental risks, modernize operations, and increase iron ore production with more sustainable processes. The announcement took place during the resumption of the Capanema mine in Ouro Preto (MG), which had been inactive for 22 years and was reactivated with an investment of R$ 5.2 billion. According to Vale, Capanema is expected to add 15 million tons per year to its production, helping the company reach its target of 340–360 Mtpa by 2026. IstoÉ Dinheiro highlighted that this move is central to the new phase of the mining company.
Vale seeks to regain credibility after the tragedies of Mariana (2015) and Brumadinho (2019).
With damless operations and circular mining, the company aims to transform its image and strengthen its position in the global iron ore market, as highlighted by IstoÉ Dinheiro.
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Damless Operation
The Capanema mine symbolizes Vale’s change in posture.
The processing of ore will be carried out without the use of water and without the generation of waste, eliminating the risk of dam failures.
The goal is to reduce the use of dams in Minas Gerais from 30% to 20% by 2030, according to IstoÉ Dinheiro.
This advance is a direct response to societal pressures and regulatory demands.
Vale claims to have already completed 60% of the upstream dam decharacterization program initiated in 2019, with ongoing work on 8 of the remaining 13 structures.
Vision Vale 2030 Plan
The investments are part of the strategic program “Vision Vale 2030”, which includes:
- Dry screening and stacking of waste
- Reuse of sterile and waste in circular mining
- Modernization of five operational complexes in Minas Gerais
- Management of geotechnical structures and fleet upgrade
According to the president of Vale, Gustavo Pimenta, Capanema represents a new phase of mining in the state, focused on safety and technology.
The vice president Rogério Nogueira emphasized that high-grade pellet feed will be a competitive differentiator.
IstoÉ Dinheiro highlighted that this strategy is essential for ensuring the company’s participation in steel routes with lower carbon emissions.
Circular Mining and Sustainable Production
Vale has intensified, since 2020, the reuse of iron ore from stockpiles of sterile material and decharacterized dams.
In the first half of 2025 alone, 9 million tons were produced this way, a 14% increase over 2024.
Vale’s goal is to achieve 10% of total production through waste reuse by 2030, with Minas Gerais responsible for 80% of this total.
According to IstoÉ Dinheiro, this circular mining model is considered key to reducing costs, environmental risks, and reinforcing the company’s image on ESG criteria.
Global Strategy of Vale
In the international market, Vale bets on the supply of high-grade ore, essential for steelmakers seeking production routes with lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The Capanema mine, with its 15 million annual tons, will be crucial to sustain the production target and consolidate the company’s competitiveness.
With R$ 67 billion in investments, Vale aims to combine reputation, safety, and efficiency in a more modern mining cycle.
IstoÉ Dinheiro pointed out that the package positions Minas Gerais as the center of the company’s transformation and as a showcase for the sustainable model.
Vale envisions a profound transformation in its operations in Minas Gerais, focusing on damless mining, waste reuse, and high-grade production.
If it meets the Vision Vale 2030 goals, the company will align operational safety, sustainability, and global competitiveness.
And you, do you believe that Vale is really changing its way of operating or do you see it merely as a move for image?
Can this strategy impact the market and society? Leave your opinion in the comments — we want to hear from those who experience this in practice.
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