Vale-signs-agreement-for-Saudi-minerals-mega-hub

Vale to develop minerals mega-hub in Saudi Arabia

JUBAIL, January 20, 2025 – Brazilian mining giant Vale has signed an agreement with the Royal Commission of Jubail and Yanbu for the establishment of an iron ore production mega-hub at Ras Al Khair Industrial City in Saudi Arabia, Vale announced on Wednesday.

The multi-billion project will be developed in two phases towards a projected production of 12 million tonnes per year of cold-briquetted iron ore. Iron ore briquettes are an input for steel production and a lower-emissions alternative to methods such as sintering and pelletising.

“This agreement represents our first step towards reshaping the future of the steel industry in the Middle East. The Khair hub will serve as a model for integrating advanced technologies with sustainable practices, driving environmental impact and economic value,” said Rogério Nogueira, Vale’s executive vice-president of commercial and new business.

Located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, Ras Al Khair Industrial City offers an advantageous geographical location and access to abundant energy resources. The planned hub will cater to regional and international markets and, along with Vale’s planned hubs in Oman and the UAE, is expected to be an enabler of green steel production in the region.

Image of Ras Al Khair Industrial City courtesy of the Royal Commission of Jubail and Yanbu

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