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Home > Mining Companies > Vale S.A. > Articles > Manganese and Ferroalloys
Vale S.A.

Manganese and Ferroalloys

Oct 23, 2014
Who would say that items as different as batteries and paint share a common feature? Manganese, the fourth most widely used metal in the world, is present in the composition of these, and many other objects of your everyday life.
 
We are a leading producer of manganese, an essential steelmaking input, and also of ferroalloys – combinations of iron and one or more chemical elements, such as manganese itself.
 
Nearly 90% of manganese output is used in the steel industry, but its applications also include the manufacture of fertilizers, animal food and cars.


Versatile
 
Our mines produce three types of manganese products, which are used in a wide range of applications.
 
 
Metallurgical ore
Ferroalloys -  manganese is essential to the manufacture of almost all types of steel
 
Natural manganese dioxide
Batteries - manganese and zinc are combined to make long-life alkaline batteries
 
Chemical ore
Animal food - manganese is used to improve your pet's lunch
Glass - manganese has been used in glassmaking since the times of ancient Egypt


Where?
 
Our activities in this sector are located in Brazil. We operate manganese mines and plants in the states of Pará, Mato Grosso do Sul and Minas Gerais. We also have ferroalloy plants in Minas Gerais and Bahia.

 
Highlights

Potential
Brazil has 10% of global manganese reserves, after Ukraine (24%), South Africa (22%) and Australia (16%).

Leadership
Vale is the largest manganese producer in Brazil, accounting for roughly 70% of the country’s market. The Azul Mine in Pará is responsible for 80% of our output. We are also leaders in manganese-based ferroalloys.

High-grade ore
The Brazilian mines of Azul in Pará and Urucum in Mato Grosso do Sul are known for the high manganese content of their ore – at least 40%.

 
Reusing Ore
 
A technology developed by Vale has made it possible to reuse small ore particles deposited in tailings ponds after processing. As a result of this initiative, the tailings pond at Azul Mine is no longer considered a waste material deposit – rather, it has been recognized as a “mineral reserve,” meaning a place that has ore of suitable conditions and quantity to be exploited economically. This is the first tailings pond in Brazil to receive this classification.
million metric tonnes
 
45 of manganese fines to be recovered

Source: http://www.vale.com/canada/EN/business/mining/manganese/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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