As part of this investment, Vale focused on more sustainable mining solutions. This includes a truckless mining system based on continuous in-pit crushing and conveying (IPCC) technology. Ore is dumped into this system by excavator via mobile crushers. These feed a network of 68 km of mobile and fixed conveyers, which take the ore to the beneficiation plant and stockpiles.
When compared to a truck-and-shovel operation of comparable capacity, the use of this electric-powered and continuously operating system:*
- Lowers energy consumption by 67%.
- Cuts CO2e emissions by 73%.
- Reduces operating costs by at least 15%.
Overall, the use of IPCC at S11D has resulted in a significantly greener mining footprint and supports Vale’s global sustainability goals.
*based on FLSmidth in-house calculations.