283 The direct benefits of this initiative are noteworthy. The utilization of dolomitic itabirite contributes to the reduction of environmental liabilities by minimizing waste rock disposal, while simultaneously increasing production volumes. Figure 3 – Geological Samples of: A) Dolomitic Itabirite, B) Dolomite. 3.2. Utilization of Waste Rock Stockpiles: Waste Stockpile in Capanema Mine The design of the main waste rock pile at the Capanema Mine was developed in the 1980s, when its foundation was established and operations commenced. Mining activities at Capanema were then discontinued in 2003. The mine is located within the Mariana Complex, near the city of Santa Bárbara in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The total volume of the pile is estimated at 47 million cubic meters, comprising two distinct regions: the lower and intermediate portion, and the upper section known as the WH pile (Figure 4). Drilling campaigns have demonstrated that the disposed material in WH pile contains an average iron grade of approximately 55%. With the reopening of the Capanema Mine in 2025, this pile has been incorporated into reprocessing activities. The new operational model is designed to function under natural moisture conditions, eliminating the use of water in mineral processing and thereby avoiding the generation of tailings and the need for a dam. Capanema Mine is expected to contribute approximately 12 million tons per year (Mtpa) to Vale’s iron ore production. In its initial years of operation, production will rely exclusively on the reprocessing of material from the waste pile, thereby transforming a former environmental liability into a productive resource and reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainable mining practices.
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