Located in Sechura Desert in the department of Piura, Peru, Bayóvar phosphate rock mine was officially inaugurated on august 5. This is one of the biggest phosphate rock deposits in South America, with annual production capacity of 3.9 million metric tons. A total of US$566 million has been invested to implement the venture.
The mine’s output will mainly be exported to Brazil, North America and Asia. Vale’s investments in this sector are transforming the company into a major supplier of raw materials enabling higher agricultural production.
Major investment in the region’s infrastructure and people
In addition to an open-pit mine, the Bayóvar venture includes a concentration plant, a 32-kilometer road for heavy vehicles, a truck unloading area, a conveyor belt, a drying and storage yard, a port, a seawater pipeline and power transmission lines. In implementing the project, Vale has prioritized the hiring of local people.
Approximately 1,300 direct and indirect jobs were generated for the people of Sechura during the implementation phase, and around 300 local people are currently employed as the operational phase begins.