Brazil's Vale says it has started loading tests at its first iron ore briquette plant in Brazil. This is the last stage before production begins at the Tubarão unit.

"This is a historic moment for the steel industry," Vale's executive chief Eduardo Bartolomeo comments. "After several years of development in Brazil, we are offering an innovative product that will support our clients in the challenge of decarbonising their operations and we are meeting demands from society to fight climate change."

The briquette is made of iron ore and an agglomerate technological solution, which can be obtained with the use of sand provided by the treatment of mine tailings. It is capable of resisting elevated blast furnace temperatures without disintegrating, Vale explains.

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