China rethink paves way for Valemax calls

Global iron ore shipments rose in Q1 2024 but with Chinese steel production weaker than expected, future shipments may decline due to oversupply.

Total shipments from Australia and Brazil – significant iron ore suppliers – decreased by 12.5% week-on-week to 22.08 million tons for the week ending March 18.

Before this order, Metso conducted the concept study and process test for the project. Basic engineering for the project is ongoing.

Designing and installing new equipment might grab the headlines. But just as important for manufacturers is regular maintenance and inspection of systems.

As a result of the plan, Rio Tinto now expects to begin production one year earlier than planned on its side of the project, in October 2025.

Sigma Lithium has reached its second shipment target after trucking 15,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium concentrate and 30,000 tonnes of by-products to Vitoria Port in Brazil.