Vale has completed a two-year research program with Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) to identify new applications for iron ore by-products, supporting the development of Oman’s first iron ore concentration plant at Sohar Port and Freezone.
The study found that iron ore sand can be safely used in road construction, concrete, cement mortars, concrete blocks and paving units while meeting engineering and environmental standards. Road infrastructure was identified as the most promising application due to its ability to utilize large material volumes.
Vale said the initiative supports a more circular approach to mining by creating value from iron ore by-products while contributing to Oman’s sustainable infrastructure and industrial development.
The research complements Vale’s investment in Oman’s first iron ore concentration plant, which is expected to supply high-grade iron ore products for lower-carbon steelmaking. The company said it will continue working with SQU and industry stakeholders on pilot-scale projects and further research to expand the use of iron ore by-products in the country.
Located at Sohar Port, Vale’s Oman pelletizing plant was commissioned in 2011 with an investment of USD 2 bln and has an annual capacity of 9 mln tons of direct reduction pellets. The complex also includes a stockyard and distribution centre with handling capacity of up to 40 mln tons per year.