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Home > Mining Companies > Vale S.A. > Articles > Fer​tilizers
Vale S.A.

Fer​tilizers

Oct 23, 2014
Global demand for food is increasing, while the space available on the planet to grow crops is decreasing. How can we resolve this situation? The answer lies in fertilizers: substances that raise crop yields and enable larger harvests.
 
The relationship between this sector and mining is simple: two of the main inputs for making fertilizers – potash and phosphates – are extracted from the ground through mining processes. We also produce nitrogen using a chemical process.


Where?

We currently produce fertilizer inputs in Brazil and Peru. We are also developing projects in Canada and Mozambique.
 
Investments in Brazilian market
Vale is the biggest producer of phosphate and nitrogen agricultural nutrients in BrazilFertilizer demand in Brazil will grow twice as fast as overall global demand from now until 2025Brazil is already the world’s fifth largest fertilizer consumerImages galleryImages galleryImages gallery

Taquari - Vassouras, Brazil
Located in Sergipe, Taquari-Vassouras is the only potash mine in Brazil. The operation, whose production capacity is 625,000 metric tonnes per year, is a partnership with Petrobras. All of Taquari-Vassouras’ output is sold in Brazil.

Bayóvar, Peru
Since 2010, Vale has been operating the Bayóvar Mine in Peru, located on one of the biggest phosphate rock deposits in South America. Capable of producing 3.9 million metric tonnes per year, the mine has world-class resources and low mining costs.

 
Fertilizers and their Usage
 
If you have ever bought plant food, you have probably seen this acronym, NPK. It refers to the symbols of the chemical elements that make up the fertilizer.
 
Nitrogen
Indispensable to photosynthesis, nitrogen favours rapid plant growth and the development of foliage.

Potassium
Enhances the internal circulation of plant liquids, and is fundamental to the quality of fruits.

Phosphorus
Strengthens roots and allows plants to exploit a larger volume of soil, making better use of nutrients.

 
Green Technology

In 2011, Vale began implementing a new technology for controlling the emissions of polluting gases at its ammonium nitrate plant at Piaçaguera industrial complex in São Paulo, Brazil. The new system, already implemented, filters the finest gas particles in circulation, preventing them from reaching the atmosphere. This technology should be completely implemented by the end of 2013.

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

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Career Opportunities
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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