Vale Base Metals Expands Salobo Copper Production Capacity by 30 000 Tonnes
Vale Base Metals approved coarse particle flotation technology at its Salobo site to increase annual copper output by 30 000 tonnes and expand processing capacity by six million tonnes
Vale Base Metals (VBM) is expanding its Salobo Copper Complex in Brazil, significantly boosting copper production capacity and adding gold as a byproduct. The Coarse Particle Flotation (CPF) project, set to start in the first half of 2028, will increase processing capacity by 6 million tonnes annually, raising total capacity to 42 million tonnes per year.
This will result in an additional 30,000 tonnes of copper concentrate production and about 15,000 ounces of gold. VBM anticipates lower costs and environmental impact due to reduced grinding requirements. Wheaton Precious Metals will provide $40 million to fund the project, reducing VBM's capital expenditures by approximately $50 million.
The project's low capital intensity of $5,000-$6,000 per copper equivalent tonne is favorable compared to industry averages. VBM and Wheaton's collaboration highlights their shared commitment to creating long-term value from this strategic asset.
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