Complex, in line with information published in its Production Report release on April 17th, 2020.  After the evaluation of the plan to resume operations by the external audit retained by the Public Prosecutors’ Office of the State of Minas Gerais, Vale resumed operations of the Timbopeba mine. Operations at the Timbopeba mine had been suspended since March 2019.

Vibration tests were concluded in January 2020 and the absence of impact on the site’s geotechnical structures was certified, which enabled the restart of dry processing operations with a monthly production of around 330,000 tons of iron ore fines. Maintenance activities to ensure a safe return to operations have been successfully completed. 

Wet processing activities are expected to resume in 4Q20, after the construction of a pipeline for tailings disposal at the Timbopeba pit is completed and depends on external authorization. The resumption of wet processing activities would enable the operation to achieve its full production capacity of around 1.0 million tons per month. Vale is also evaluating alternatives to anticipate the resumption of wet processing activities.  

The resumption of dry processing and the expected return of wet processing in 4Q20 are already included in Vale’s 2020 iron ore fines production guidance of 310-330 million tons.