Vale's Tubarao Port to be Reopened

 

Vale, the world's largest iron ore exporter, said the order came from Brazil's Federal Regional Tribunal.

 

The injunction gave Vale, the world's largest iron ore exporter, 60 days to fix water and air pollution issues or face reclosure of the facility, said the lawyer, Sergio Bermudes, of Sergio Bermudes Advogados.

 

The Tubarao port operations have been suspended due to environmental issues, notably the dust that was spreading to neighbouring areas.

 

Tubarao is extremely important for Vale, as Vale exports more than 1/3 of its iron ore production through this port. During the first 9 months of 2015, Vale exported 82.5 million tonnes of iron ore through Tubarao. The port is used also for transportation of coal and soybeans. 

 

The port is also an important outlet for steel maker ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steelmaker, which was also cited in the original order closing the facility.