We will bring our expertise to bear on a project that will extend the lifespan of the Serra Azul Mine by 33 years

ArcelorMittal has contracted Forship Group’s management, engineering, planning and commissioning support services for the Serra Azul Mine expansion project, in Itatiaiuçu (MG): the construction of a new pellet feed production plant (high-grade ore fines) that will triple production capacity and extend the mine’s lifespan until 2056. 

“This first partnership between the Forship Group and ArcelorMittal was ‘built’ by executives who already had familiarity with our solutions, which have been applied in landmark projects at Vale, which uses HMSWeb© (Handover Management System) as a corporate solution in all its projects. There has been growing interest in this platform, which has opened up space for us to also integrate the engineering and commissioning planning services provided by Forship,” says Luciano Gaete, executive director of HMSWeb Tecnologia da Informação.

Tripled production

The new production unit will process compact itabirite, which is more resistant and has a lower iron content, requiring special processing and concentration techniques. This would not be possible in the current processing plant, which will only process friable itabirite, an ore that is easier to crush, grind and concentrate, and which is practically depleted. 

With the expansion work, the mine, which was at the end of its lifespan, will remain operational for more than three decades, producing a noble product with a high iron content, the iron ore classified as pellet feed. It will also be able to produce 4.5 million tons/year, almost three times the volume extracted so far (1.6 million tons/year).

Adaptable solutions

“This project is a unique opportunity to showcase the versatility and effectiveness of our technological solution. It offers exciting challenges that will illustrate the potential for innovation and improvement that our platform offers,” the executive points out. 

“The application of the HMSWeb© solution means not only a transition to more efficient and integrated processes, but also the chance to consolidate our reputation as leaders in adaptable technological solutions,” he adds.

Luciano Gaete emphasizes that the platform goes beyond meeting ArcelorMittal’s specific requirements for managing Pellet Feed commissioning. “Our participation in this project is a reflection of our confidence in HMSWeb’s ability to effectively manage the complex aspects of a large-scale undertaking, ensuring data security and regulatory compliance. Furthermore, we have the opportunity to contribute to ArcelorMittal’s sustainability goals, reinforcing the impact on the environment and the community,” he says.

Sustainability Engineering

The executive director of HMSWeb Tecnologia da Informação says that the participation of HMSWeb and Forship in ArcelorMittal’s expansion project presents a strategic opportunity to highlight environmental and social responsibility, expertise in complex project management, and contribute to the economic and social recovery of the region, which has already been damaged by dam accidents.

“Undoubtedly, this contract represents an opportunity for the Forship Group companies to bolster their skills and commitment to responsible management and sustainable development, facing the challenges and taking advantage of the opportunities that arise in large-scale projects such as this one,” said Luciano Gaete.

“We are excited to be working with ArcelorMittal, not only to deploy our solution, but also to strengthen the culture of adaptation and technological innovation. This partnership is a testament to our technical capacity and will certainly be a milestone in our mission to promote operational excellence through advanced engineering and technology solutions,” said the executive director of HMSWeb Tecnologia da Informação.