Vale gradually resumes ops at Minas Gerais iron ore complexes after heavy rain

Vale SA said Jan. 17 that it has partially and gradually resumed operations in Minas Gerais, Brazil, including at the Brucutu and Mariana iron ore complexes, following heavy rainfall in the state.

The trains transit on the Estrada de Ferro Vitória a Minas railway resumed on the Rio Piracicaba to João Monlevade stretch, allowing the Southeastern System to resume production.

However, a branch line responsible for general cargo transportation remains suspended, and alternatives are being evaluated.

Certain roads in the Southern System were cleared and other alternative accesses were implemented. About half of the system's plant capacity has been restored, according to the miner.

Vale estimates an impact of about 1.5 million tonnes in iron ore output and third-party purchases due to the suspensions, but it is maintaining its full-year 2022 guidance of 320 Mt to 335 Mt.