1832 3.3. Reduction in Tailings Generation: Pico Mine Processing Plant The Iron Reduction in Tailings Project at the ITM-D plant, located at the Pico mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil, was implemented in late 2023. The Pico mine is comprised by Galinheiro and Sapecado pits and produces around 18 million tons of iron ore annually, with the ITM-D plant accounting for approximately 30% of this output (Figure 5). Figure 5 – Location of Pico Mine Complex, highlighting the Galinheiro pit and ITM-I and ITM-D processing plants. The initiative introduced a magnetic concentration stage applied to the plant flotation, which successfully reduced the iron content in the tailings from approximately 25% to 12%. This process consequently decreased the volume of tailings generated and enhanced the mass recovery of the unit. (Figure 6). Figure 6 – Aerial view of ITM-D processing plant.
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