Vale Base Metals moved the start-up of its Coarse Particle Flotation project at the Salobo Copper Complex to the first half of 2028. This revised timeline represents a one-year acceleration from the original schedule. Project optimization and improved execution strategies drove the faster rollout.
The company reduced the estimated capital expenditure for the expansion to approximately US$215 million. The project will increase the Salobo plant's annual ore processing capacity by 6 million tonnes. Total processing capacity will reach 42 million tonnes per year.
The expansion will boost annual copper production by up to 30,000 tonnes. It will also add approximately 15,000 ounces of gold as a byproduct. These developments support Vale’s strategy to significantly increase copper output by 2035.