The production of pellets at the Vale industrial complex in Oman began on 30 April. The pelletizing plant is the company’s first in the Arab country; it has two production units, each with an annual production capacity of 4.5 million metric tons of direct-reduction pellets. The complex, located in the city of Sohar, also has a distribution center which can handle up to 40 million metric tons of material per year.
The production volume and the country’s strategic location will enable it to supply the growing demand for iron ore in the region. The pelletizing plant and Vale’s distribution center will serve the Middle East, North Africa and India. With investments of US$1.356 billion, our company’s facilities in Oman will also gain exclusive operation of a deep water terminal, which will be built by a local company by June.
Commitment to sustainable development
With a focus on the sustainable development of Oman, Vale has invested US$40 million in environmental management technologies, including a system to reuse 100% of the water used in operational processes. In addition, US$11.3 million was invested in recruitment and training programs that will generate 720 direct jobs and 1,800 indirect jobs.