Vale acquires 30% stake in Ligga S.A. to expand iron ore production

Vale has signed a strategic agreement to acquire a 30% minority stake in Ligga S.A., a mining company operating the Ferro Sul iron ore mine in the Carajás region of Pará, Brazil. The deal, valued at approximately US$ 190 million, includes an exclusive offtake contract ensuring Vale purchases all current and future sinter feed production from the miner.

Ligga, controlled by the Santa Elina group, currently produces 2 million tons of iron ore per year. Under the agreement, the companies plan to expand production to 8 million tons annually within two years. This expansion requires the construction of a new processing plant, infrastructure works, and a railway solution to connect the operation to the Carajás Railroad (EFC), which is operated by Vale. The expansion project is in its initial implementation phase and has received an installation license from the Pará State Secretariat of Environment, Climate, and Sustainability (Semas). The expansion operation is expected to begin in June 2028, pending corporate and regulatory approvals.