Vale Predicts $70M in Savings From New IT System Initiative
In a bold initiative that reflects the modern mine-as-a-factory concept, Brazil-based Vale is in the latter stages of deploying a new Manufacturing Execution System (MES) for its Brazilian iron and manganese ore units, replacing 17 legacy systems previously in use. Overall, 38 mines, plants and warehouses will be included in the new system, called Vale Production Management-Mining (GPV-M). The implementation has been completed at 20 units in Minas Gerais, Maranhão and Pará, with final installations scheduled for completion by the end of 2017. According to Vale, the initiative will save the company roughly $70 million in the next few years.
