Overview
Iron ore production in Brazil reached 245.6 Mt in 2003 compared to 225.1 Mt in 2002. Iron ore was Brazil’s second most importat export commodity in 2003 after oil, accounting for 4.7% of the total value of Brazilian exports of US$73 billion. Exports increased by 5% to about 174.8 Mt worth US$3.45 billion. Brazil is the one of the world’s largest iron ore producers and exporters. Iron ore has traditionally been country’s largest export product, accounting for 5% of the total value of mineral exports. Japan (13%), Germany (11%), China (22%) and South Korea were the main importers of Brazilian iron ore. CVRD and MBR (Mineracao Brasileiras Reunidas), Samarco Mineracao and CSN (Companhia Siderurgica Nacional) are Brazil’s largest iron ore exporters. Other major iron ore producers include Samitri, Ferteco. Ferteco is Brazil’s third largest iron ore producer – and was purchased by CVRD in mid 2001. Ferteco operates the Fabrica and Feijao mines that are located in the Iron Quadrangle of the State of Minas Gerais.

CVRD established a sales record in 2003 for the fourth consecutive year, selling 187 Mt compared to 164 Mt in 2002. The company signed a contract with Nucor Corp to build and operate a 380 000 t/y pig-iron plant in northern Brazil, supplied by iron ore from Caraja, amnd Nucor will purchase the entire production and invest US$10 million in the project.

MBR produced 38 Mt of iron ore and in 2003 compared to 33Mt in 2002. The company also received environmental permits to begin the Capao Xavier project and this will consolidate a production increase to 40 Mt/y.

Samarco Mineracao is a joint venture between BHP Billiton and CVRD that operates the Alegria opencast mine and the Germano concentrator and produced 15.7 Mt in 2003 compared to 15 Mt in 2002. Alegria has measured reserves containing 701 Mt grading at an iron ore content of 47%. The Samarco project produced 10.4 Mt of pellets and has a capacity to produce 12 Mt/year. The company is also evaluating a US$550 million investment in Minas Gerais State to include a third pellet plant, a second ore pipeline and improvements in its mining operations.

CSN produced 14.1 Mt of iron ore in 2003 (7.7 Mt for its own consumption), compared with 13.1 Mt in 2002. The company signed an agreement in April 2003 giving CVRD first refusal on ore from the Casa de Pedra mine until 2031.

Rio Tinto own 80% of the Corumba mine located in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. The mine produces 1Mt of lumpy destined for markets in Argentina.

Organisations (20)
Adamant Trading Company, Usiminas, Acesita S.A., Brazilian Steel Institute, Caemi Mineração e Metalurgia SA, Companhia Siderúrgica de Tubarão, Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, Fabrica Mine, Feijao Mine, Ferteco Mineração S.A., Mineracao Brasileiras Reunidas, MMX Minas-Rio, MMX Mineracao & Metalicos S.A., Para Pigmentos SA, Rio Paracatu Mineracao S.A., Rio Tinto Brasil Ltda, Samarco Mineracao, Siderúrgica Belgo Mineira S.A, Sun Coqueria Tubarão, Vega do Sul ::[ View All ]

Facilities (84)
Aguas Claras, Alegria, Alemao, AngloGold Ashanti Brazil, Araxa, Barro Alto, Brauna Diamond Deposit, Brucutu, Brumal Deposit, Buriti Alegre, Caetete, Caetites, Camacari Copper Smelter/Refinery, Cana Brava, Capanema, Capitao do Mato, Carajas, Casa de Pedra, Caue e Chacrinha, Ceu Aberto :[ View All ]

Participating Organisations
Arcelor Mittal S.A

BHP Billiton Limited

Through its 49% interest in Samarco Mineracao S.A. (Samarco), BHP Billiton operates the Alegria iron ore complex in Brazil.

Caemi Mineração e Metalurgia SA

Companhia Siderúrgica de Tubarão

Companhia Vale do Rio Doce

CVRD is on eof the world’s largest iron ore producers with several large scale operations in Brazil.

Companhia Vale do Rio Doce

The Ngwesi River Boat offers luxury accommodation for eight guests. Slumber in your comfortable en suite cabins on the lower deck, embraced by the Delta. The untouched water wilderness sanctuary of the Delta is ideal for quiet discovery

Mineracao Brasileiras Reunidas

Rio Tinto Plc

Rio Tinto produce iron ore from the 80% owned Corumba mine in the state of Mato grosso do Sul.

Siderúrgica Belgo Mineira S.A

Vega do Sul