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Home > Mining Companies > Vale S.A. > Articles > Copper
Vale S.A.

Copper

Oct 23, 2014
Copper, that reddish-orange metal that has been used to benefit civilization since 8000 B.C. is one of the most important metals used by modern industry.
 
Prized for its ability to conduct heat and electricity, it is an element that helps facilitate the world as we know it, and is a focus of Vale’s investment.
 
Malleable, resistant to corrosion and high temperatures, recyclable and blessed with the best electrical and thermal conductivity of any commercial metal, copper is highly valued for its application in power transmission and generation, building wiring as well as practically all electronic equipment, including mobile phones and television sets.

The third metal
Copper is the third most used metal in the world, after iron and aluminum.

Electrical Cables
66% of the copper consumed every year is used in electrical applications.
 
Where?
We produce copper in Brazil, Canada and Zambia. Our operations in Brazil, located in Carajás, benefit from our pre-existing logistical infrastructure originally built to transport iron ore.
 
 
Everywhere
 
Statue of Liberty
73 metric tonnes of copper sheeting were used to create the Statue of Liberty’s skin.

Ship hulls
When combined with nickel, copper makes an alloy resistant to barnacles; this alloy is applied to ship hulls to reduce drag and increase fuel efficiency.

Trumpets, trombones, bells and cymbals
Marrying copper with zinc produces brass, an alloy more malleable and with better acoustic properties than either of the metals alone.

Plumbing pipes and doorknobs
Copper is largely employed around the home thanks to its antimicrobial properties – the better to reduce the transfer of germs.

 
Technology and Sustainability
 
Reusing water
At our Sossego Plant in Pará, Brazil, practically 100% of the water we use to produce copper concentrate is recycled and reused from our tailings pond.
 
Technological advances in mining waste
In partnership with the University of São Paulo in Brazil, we are working to identify "copper eating" bacteria and fungi capable of absorbing copper from our tailing dams. The research has the potential to significantly boost copper recovery from waste, revolutionizing the industry in the process.

Source: http://www.vale.com/canada/EN/business/mining/copper/Pages/default.aspx

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Sr Engineer, Ground Control

We are currently seeking a Senior Engineer, Ground Control to join our Creighton Mine in Sudbury.
Sr Analyst, Business Planning (System 1)

We are currently seeking a Sr Analyst, Business Planning (System 1) to join our Planning & Engineering team in Sudbury. This is a permanent position.
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician

We are currently seeking Heavy Duty Equipment Technicians to join our Maintenance Department in Sudbury.
Engineer-In-Training (EIT)

The successful candidate will be a member of the Vale's Ontario Operations and enrolled in a 48-month program that includes Application of Theory, Practical Experience, Management of Engineering Communication Skills, and Social Implications of Engineering which is the requirement for licensing as a Professional Engineer in Ontario. 
Technical Leader, Projects Sudbury

We are currently seeking a Technical Leader, Projects Sudbury to join our Exploration and Mineral Projects team in Sudbury. This is a permanent position.
Surface Construction Manager

We are currently seeking a Surface Construction Manager to join our Voisey's Bay Mine Expansion Project Team for our remote mine site in Voisey's Bay, Labrador, a fly-in fly-out operation. This project term position will be working from home office with regular travel to Voisey's Bay.
Manager, Exploration Voisey's Bay

We are currently seeking a Voisey's Bay Exploration Manager to join our Exploration team in St. John's and Voisey's Bay Mine site, Newfoundland and Labrador. This is a permanent position.
Manager, Exploration Thompson

We are currently seeking a Manager, Exploration Thompson to join our Exploration team in Thompson. This is a permanent position.
Maintenance Technician - Scaffolding

We are currently seeking a Maintenance Technician - Scaffolder to join our Maintenance Team at our remote mine site in Voisey's Bay, Labrador , a fly-in fly-out operation. This is a permanent position, with a 2 week on, 2 week off rotation.
Human Resources Coordinator (Fixed-Term)

We are currently seeking a Human Resources Coordinator to join our Human Resources team in Sudbury. This is a 12 month fixed-term position.
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