Rockwell Automation announced its role in a major sustainability upgrade at Brazil’s Carajás iron ore complex, operated by Vale, aimed at eliminating industrial water use in processing.

The project involves converting Carajás Plant 1 to operate entirely using natural moisture, targeting a 100% reduction in process water consumption while also eliminating tailings waste and increasing production capacity. Rockwell is serving as the end-to-end integration partner, coordinating automation, electrical systems, and equipment from multiple suppliers.

At the core of the upgrade is Rockwell’s PlantPAx distributed control system, designed to optimize operations, enhance efficiency, and reduce operational risks. The initiative highlights a broader push toward more sustainable mining practices, particularly in environmentally sensitive regions such as the Carajás National Forest.