Vale Base Metals Expands Nickel Production with New Furnace in Brazil
Vale Base Metals (VBM) recently announced the successful start-up of its second nickel processing furnace, known as Furnace 2, at the Onça Puma Mining Complex located in southeastern Pará, Brazil. This strategic initiative marks a significant milestone for VBM as it seeks to elevate its operational capacity and solidify its position in the global nickel market.
The addition of Furnace 2 will increase nickel production capacity by 15 kilotons, thereby bringing the total production capacity at Onça Puma to an impressive 40 kilotons per annum (ktpa). This expansion is expected to play a pivotal role in VBM’s long-term growth strategy and profitability, especially in a competitive international market for nickel, which has seen increasing demand primarily due to its applications in stainless steel production and electric vehicle batteries.
Shaun Usmar, CEO of VBM, expressed his appreciation for the team's efforts, particularly praising Kilma Cunha and her crew for their dedication during the project’s three-year timeline, which was completed on schedule and nearly 13% under budget. Notably, the project was executed without any lost time injuries, highlighting the commitment to safety and operational excellence at Onça Puma.
In addition to boosting production capabilities, Furnace 2 contributed to local economic development by generating around 2,500 jobs during the construction phase. With over 1,800 permanent employees and contractors, the mining complex serves as a vital hub for employment in the Pará region, significantly contributing to local economic growth.
VBM’s commitment to Pará and Brazil is further emphasized through this investment. The launch of Furnace 2 not only improves production efficiency but also enhances the viability of Onça Puma on the global nickel cost curve, helping VBM meet its nickel guidance of 160-175 kt for the year 2025. The company's broader aims include ramping up underground mining operations at Voisey’s Bay in Canada, expecting to reach a total nickel production between 210 kt and 250 kt by 2030.
The Onça Puma Mining Complex began operations in 2011 and has since become a strategic exporter of nickel from Brazil. VBM has continually supported socioeconomic development within the region by prioritizing local hiring, contributing taxes, and actively investing in the local community to foster growth and stability.
As one of the largest producers of high-quality nickel globally, VBM is committed to responsible sourcing practices for copper and cobalt as well. The company operates not only in Brazil but also has operations in various countries, including Canada, Indonesia, and Japan, positioning itself strategically on the global stage.
In conclusion, the commissioning of Furnace 2 is a testament to Vale Base Metals' ongoing commitment to enhancing its production capacities while ensuring positive impacts on local economies and communities. With such strategic developments, VBM is set to maintain its competitive edge in the mining sector for years to come.
The addition of Furnace 2 will increase nickel production capacity by 15 kilotons, thereby bringing the total production capacity at Onça Puma to an impressive 40 kilotons per annum (ktpa). This expansion is expected to play a pivotal role in VBM’s long-term growth strategy and profitability, especially in a competitive international market for nickel, which has seen increasing demand primarily due to its applications in stainless steel production and electric vehicle batteries.
Shaun Usmar, CEO of VBM, expressed his appreciation for the team's efforts, particularly praising Kilma Cunha and her crew for their dedication during the project’s three-year timeline, which was completed on schedule and nearly 13% under budget. Notably, the project was executed without any lost time injuries, highlighting the commitment to safety and operational excellence at Onça Puma.
In addition to boosting production capabilities, Furnace 2 contributed to local economic development by generating around 2,500 jobs during the construction phase. With over 1,800 permanent employees and contractors, the mining complex serves as a vital hub for employment in the Pará region, significantly contributing to local economic growth.
VBM’s commitment to Pará and Brazil is further emphasized through this investment. The launch of Furnace 2 not only improves production efficiency but also enhances the viability of Onça Puma on the global nickel cost curve, helping VBM meet its nickel guidance of 160-175 kt for the year 2025. The company's broader aims include ramping up underground mining operations at Voisey’s Bay in Canada, expecting to reach a total nickel production between 210 kt and 250 kt by 2030.
The Onça Puma Mining Complex began operations in 2011 and has since become a strategic exporter of nickel from Brazil. VBM has continually supported socioeconomic development within the region by prioritizing local hiring, contributing taxes, and actively investing in the local community to foster growth and stability.
As one of the largest producers of high-quality nickel globally, VBM is committed to responsible sourcing practices for copper and cobalt as well. The company operates not only in Brazil but also has operations in various countries, including Canada, Indonesia, and Japan, positioning itself strategically on the global stage.
In conclusion, the commissioning of Furnace 2 is a testament to Vale Base Metals' ongoing commitment to enhancing its production capacities while ensuring positive impacts on local economies and communities. With such strategic developments, VBM is set to maintain its competitive edge in the mining sector for years to come.
Topics Heavy Industry & Manufacturing）
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