Carlos Medeiros, Vale’s Vice President of Operations, and Joachim Braun, President of ABB’s 
Process Industries Division, sign the agreement for the modernization of processing plants. 
Credit: Agência Cilindro Ocular 

After implementing one of the most advanced iron ore processing plants in the industry in Itabira (Minas Gerais), Vale is beginning a new stage of its industrial modernization strategy. The company will expand the application of the automation, artificial intelligence and digitalization technologies developed at the Conceição II Model Plant to other operations across the country.

The initiative is the result of the expansion of the partnership between Vale and ABB, formalized this Tuesday (August 11). The agreement will make it possible to gradually replicate the technological solutions implemented at the Itabira plant in other iron ore processing plants operated by the company, helping to increase the safety of operations, improve operational performance and raise the quality of production. The model developed at Conceição II will serve as a reference for the technological evolution of other Vale units.

The expansion marks a new stage in the company’s Mining of the Future strategy, which seeks to integrate advanced automation, digitalization and artificial intelligence into production processes, strengthening competitiveness, sustainability and operational safety.

The Brucutu processing plant, in São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo (MG), is already in the technology implementation phase and is expected to begin operating early next year. New applications are also planned for other units in Minas Gerais and Pará.

“The Model Plant Project has shown that new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, improve employee safety and increase productivity, operational efficiency and quality in mining. Now, we are going to take this learning to other Vale operations, increasing the predictability of processes, improving the use of mineral resources and reducing people’s exposure to risky activities. The initiative reinforces our new way of operating, which is increasingly safe, sustainable and data-driven, strengthening our competitiveness and preparing us for the challenges of the future,” said Carlos Medeiros, Vale’s Vice President of Operations.

The Model Plant program brings together different technologies on a single operational platform, enabling continuous, real-time monitoring of hundreds of process variables by highly qualified teams. ABB, a global leader in electrification and automation technology, acts as the systems integrator, fostering interoperability among different technologies and suppliers.

“This new agreement with Vale represents an important milestone in our partnership. Building on the success achieved in Conceição II, we are creating a framework to deploy a consistent approach to automation, electrification and digitalization across multiple operations,” said Joachim Braun, President of ABB’s Process Industries Division.

Itabira as a reference


Conceição II Model Plant, in Itabira (MG). Vale Disclosure

Inaugurated in June this year in Itabira (MG), the Conceição II Model Plant represents one of the main projects of Vale’s Mining of the Future strategy. The plant brings together thousands of sensors, advanced automation systems and artificial intelligence tools capable of monitoring more than 400 variables across all stages of ore processing in real time, making automatic adjustments to optimize the production process.

The results already demonstrate the potential of digital transformation in mining. Since its implementation in 2024, the plant has recorded a 25 percent increase in productivity, a 40 percent growth in the production of premium ore for direct reduction, and a 26 percent reduction in iron losses in the tailings. The new configuration has also reduced the need for manual interventions in the field, contributing to a safer operation for employees.

The company trained all operators, instrument technicians and leaders of the Conceição II Plant to work under the new operating model. Vale also maintains permanent professional qualification programs, with immersive training, simulators and virtual reality resources that reproduce real operating situations. The initiative prepares employees for the challenges of the digital transformation of mining and reinforces the company’s commitment to the development of its teams.

About Vale
Vale is a global mining company that exists to improve lives and transform the future together, in line with its purpose. Headquartered in Brazil and operating around the world, it is one of the world’s leading producers of iron ore, copper and nickel. Its operations comprise extensive logistics systems integrated with its mines, including railroads, maritime terminals, and ports. Vale’s ambition is to lead value creation in the mining industry through ethical and sustainable practices. The company also seeks to be a leader in steel decarbonization, with competitive iron ore costs, a customer-centric approach and an adaptable portfolio, while accelerating copper growth and enhancing operational efficiency in nickel.

About ABB
ABB is a global technology company focused on electrification and automation, working to enable more efficient, productive and sustainable industrial operations. Its shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and Nasdaq Stockholm.