Vale commissioned its first iron ore briquette plant in Brazil's Tubarão Unit

Vale, the world's largest producer of iron ore and nickel, has launched its first iron ore briquette plant in Brazil's Tubarão Unit. The plant, which uses adhesive technology, improves product mechanical strength and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 10% compared to traditional blast furnace processes.

Briquettes can also be used in direct reduction routes, replacing pellets. Vale plans to launch one of its two briquette plants in Tubarão this year, with the other expected to start early next year. The plant is expected to produce 6 million tons annually and create 2,300 jobs during construction.