MUSCAT -- Brazilian mining conglomerate Vale has announced that its world-scale iron pelletising plant at the Port of Sohar has now entered the commissioning phase. In a statement issued at the weekend, the mining giant -- which has a 70 per cent stake in the Vale Oman project -- said the $1.35 billion Sohar pelletising plant will commence full-scale production next month. The Government of Oman has a 30 per cent stake in the venture.
Vale Oman's massive complex at the industrial port of Sohar consists of two pelletising trains each with a nominal processing capacity of 4.5 million tonnes per year. The complex also includes a distribution centre with a capacity to handle 40 million tonnes of iron ore pellets per annum. "A deepwater terminal currently under construction by Sohar Industrial Port Company (SIPC) will be operated exclusively by Vale.
In line with this strategy, Vale has also signed a long-term agreement with Oman Shipping Company to build four ultra-large ore carriers each with a capacity of 400,000 tonnes, which will be dedicated to the transportation of iron ore," the company stated. According to Vale, the pelletising plant and distribution centre are currently the subject of early commissioning activities involving quantities of pellet feed, anthracite coal and locally procured limestone.
Further, in preparation for the completion of construction of the terminal, Vale has also taken delivery of three ship loaders and a ship unloader. Adopting innovative environmental technologies, the Vale Oman project is committed to the 100 per cent reuse of water used in the operational process. Also in place is a 'wind fence' around the complex to control particulate emissions, the company said, adding that Vale Oman will be first company to adopt 'oven grate kiln' technology in the production of high-compression, low-abrasive quality pellets.
"The industrial complex in Oman will add flexibility to our operations, serving as a hub to meet increasing demand for iron ore in the Middle East, Asia and North Africa," the statement added.
© Oman Daily Observer 2011
