Sustainability

Research and Development

Research and Development

We believe that innovation fosters business sustainability, improves our performance and creates a breeding ground for opportunities.

For that reason, Vale allocates part of its revenue to support institutions focused on research and development of innovative projects related to the mining chain around the world.

Learn about some of our projects


Ferrous Metals Technology Center

Ferrous Metals

Technology Center


The Ferrous Metal Technology Center (CTF) is one of the world’s most sophisticated mining and steel technology centers. It conducts research on the use of iron ore and coal in the steel industry, ensuring the product is tailored to the needs of customers (of approximately 90 projects conducted by the CTF, 30% are customer-oriented). To this end, CTF operates in partnership with universities and research institutions in Brazil, the United States, Germany, China and Japan.

Vale is currently the only mining company in the world to maintain this type of research center. Its multidisciplinary team of engineers, metallurgists, chemists, geologists, physicists, among others, has already obtained 10 patents for technological innovation.

Mineral Development Center

Mineral Development

Center (MDC)


The laboratories of the Mineral Development Center (CDM) are the birthplace of Vale's operations. It is where we begin researching the methods for production and processing of the various types of ore for subsequent implementation. CDM is operated by engineers, chemists, geologists and several other specialists who conduct studies and tests on the feasibility of Vale’s projects.

The center is considered Latin America’s most sophisticated and comprehensive laboratory complex focused on mineral research and development, and one of the most advanced mineral technology development centers in the world. It was the first of its kind to receive the ISO 14001 environmental certification and Vale's first research center in Brazil to receive the ISO 17025 certification.

Currently, the CDM is researching bio-mining techniques (which uses bacteria to extract metals contained in unprocessed ores), rare-earth minerals, in addition to collaborating in studies on the use photovoltaic panels to replace diesel consumption in mineral research projects around the world, in the Andes Mountains, Chile.

Vale has conducted research on the following minerals

Vale Institute of Technology

Vale Institute of

Technology


Vale Institute of Technology (ITV) was created to point out trends, opportunities or problems in the areas of science and technology, on an ongoing quest to identify the best ways to provide mineral resources to modern life.

In 2013, ITV had its first professional master's degree approved by CAPES – the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education, with the aim of training professionals capable of addressing issues related to the sustainable use of natural resources, in addition to attracting and developing talent with mining-oriented skills. The course is the first of its kind to be offered by an institute linked to a company in the mineral sector and has two lines of research – Sustainability in Mining and Sustainable Use of Biological Resources.

The research and development operation is based on three pillars:

Education: development and qualification of technical-scientific knowledge through professional specialization and academic master's and PhD courses, in addition to scientific initiation and extension activities.

Research: promotion, dissemination and implementation of mining and sustainable development research, technology and innovation.

Entrepreneurship: training of entrepreneur-researchers prepared to lead technology-based companies or technology transfer processes arising from research.

Click here and access the ITV website
Mais+ newsletter

Mais+ newsletter


The MAIS+ Newsletter was designed to disseminate results of research and development projects funded by Vale, conducted in partnership with scientific and technological institutions.

The purpose is to share the results of the projects with professionals working in Vale's operations, enabling implementation in the company's processes, in addition to fostering scientific progress.

Click here to read the second edition