Mining

Manganese and ferroalloys

Manganese and
ferroalloys

Who would say that items as different as batteries and paint share a common feature? Manganese, the fourth most widely used metal in the world, is present in the composition of these, and many other objects of your everyday life.

We are a leading producer of manganese, an essential steelmaking input, and also of ferroalloys – combinations of iron and one or more chemical elements, such as manganese itself.

Nearly 90% of manganese output is used in the steel industry, but its applications also include the manufacture of fertilizers, animal food and cars.

Versatile

Our mines produce three types of manganese products, which are used in a wide range of applications.

 

Metallurgical ore

Ferroalloys -  manganese is essential to the manufacture of almost all types of steel

 

Natural manganese dioxide

Batteries - manganese and zinc are combined to make long-life alkaline batteries

 

Chemical ore

Animal food - manganese is used to improve your pet's lunch
Glass - manganese has been used in glassmaking since the times of ancient Egypt

Where?

Our activities in this sector are located in Brazil. We operate manganese mines and plants in the states of Pará and Mat Grosso do Sul. We also have ferro​alloy plants in Minas Gerais and Bahia.

Mapa

Brazilian production of ferromanganese took its first steps in a small lab, at the traditional Escola de Minas (Mining School), in Minas Gerais. Established in 1876, this was one of the country’s first Geologist schools.

 

Highlights

  • Potential

    Brazil has 10% of global manganese reserves, after Ukraine (24%), South Africa (22%) and Australia (16%).

  • Leadership

    Vale is the largest manganese producer in Brazil, accounting for roughly 70% of the country’s market. The Azul Mine in Pará is responsible for 80% of our output. We are also leaders in manganese-based ferroalloys.

  • High-grade ore

    The Brazilian mines of Azul in Pará and Urucum in Mato Grosso do Sul are known for the high manganese content of their ore – at least 40%.

 

Reusing Ore

A technology developed by Vale has made it possible to reuse small ore particles deposited in tailings ponds after processing. As a result of this initiative, the tailings pond at Azul Mine is no longer considered a waste material deposit – rather, it has been recognized as a “mineral reserve,” meaning a place that has ore of suitable conditions and quantity to be exploited economically. This is the first tailings pond in Brazil to receive this classification.

million metric tonnes
of manganese fines to be recovered

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