Synopsis
In August 2023, Samarco Mineração S.A. set a new world record for monthly iron ore pellet production, producing 824,829 metric tons using its Metso Pelletizing Plant. The achievement underscores the company's efforts to boost production and support sustainable steelmaking.
Article
Samarco Mineração S.A., a joint venture owned by Vale and BHP, has reached a significant milestone in its pellet production. During August 2023, the company set a new world record, producing 824,829 metric tons of high-grade iron ore pellets at its Ubu site in Brazil. The record-breaking production came from a single Metso Pelletizing Plant Indurating Machine #4, which has a surface area of 816 m2.
This achievement isn't just a one-off feat; it has far-reaching implications for Samarco's annual production. The monthly record is equivalent to approximately 8.8 to 9.0 million metric tons of pellets per year when produced by a single machine. Importantly, Samarco has installed three additional Metso Pelletizing Plants at the same Ubu site, suggesting potential for even greater output in the future.
Pedro Sousa, Sales Manager for Ferrous & Heat Transfer in South America, expressed his enthusiasm about the record, stating, "It makes us proud to see how our solutions are helping our customers improve their pelletizing operations while simultaneously supporting the journey toward decarbonization."
Currently, only Plant #4 is operational. However, Samarco and Metso are in talks to revamp the three other plants with the goal of increasing pellet production and reducing carbon emissions. Test works and studies to support this effort are underway at Metso’s R&D facility in Frankfurt, Germany.
Metso's pelletizing process is not just about high-volume production. It's also designed to produce uniform pellets of high quality. The technology offers low investment and operating costs, along with reduced energy consumption and emissions.
Samarco's main business focus is iron ore pellets, a critical raw material for steel production. The company operates in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, with its principal place of business in Belo Horizonte (MG).
Conclusion
Samarco's new production record is a significant achievement that highlights the company's capability to boost pellet production, a crucial element for sustainable steelmaking. This accomplishment offers a glimpse into the future of large-scale, eco-friendly pellet production and sets the stage for further advancements in this area.
