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Vale in Commissioning Phase for Industrial Complex in Oman
02/21/2011 - Vale is currently in the commissioning phase of its first pelletizing plant within its Industrial Complex in Oman that also includes a distribution center and a deep-water bulk jetty.
Vale announces that it is currently in the commissioning phase of its first pelletizing plant within its Industrial Complex in Oman that also includes a distribution center and a deep-water bulk jetty.
The complex comprises two plants, each with nominal production capacity of 4.5 million tonnes per year of direct reduction pellets and a distribution center with capacity to handle 40 million tonnes per year. Together, the plant and the distribution center are estimated at US$ 1.356 billion.
The jetty, which is being built by Sohar Industrial Port Company, will be exclusively used and operated by Vale. The company has also signed a long-term agreement with Oman Shipping Company for the provision of four very large iron ore carriers (VLOCs) with a loading capacity of 400,000 tonnes to be dedicated to Vale.
Since commencement of the commissioning phase, Vale has received 220,000 tonnes of pellet feed and 60,000 tonnes of Anthracite which together, with locally-supplied Limestone, will be used to test the distribution center as well as for production of the company’s first batch of pellets.
Gearing up toward completion of the off shore jetty, Vale already received three ship-loaders and one ship-unloader.
Adopting innovative environmental preservation technologies, the project encompasses an innovative 100% water recycling system as well as a wind fence surrounding the complex to control dust emissions. Innovative technology will also be employed for pellet production, as this will be Vale’s first plant to use the Grate Kiln furnace technology, aiming to provide consistent quality results and an end product with high compression, low abrasion and perfect roundness.
Vale had announced in May 2010 its strategic partnership with the Omani government through one of its investment arms, by selling a minority stake of 30% in the Pelletizing Plant. For Vale, the new Industrial Complex will add flexibility, serving as a hub to cater to the growing demand for iron-ore products in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa.
Initial production of the first pelletizing plant is forecasted for March 2011 and the first shipment of pellets is scheduled to be released in May 2011.
