November 21, 2008

CSN to export 25 million tonnes of iron ore in 2008

Bloomberg reported that Cia Siderurgica Nacional Brazil third biggest steelmaker will export 25 million tonnes of iron ore from its Itaguai port terminal in 2008.

The report quoted Mr Juarez Saliba the mining director for Rio de Janeiro based CSN on a conference call with reporters as saying that new equipment at the port will boost handling capacity to 30 million tonnes a year by May 2008 up from 10 million tonnes.

Mr Saliba said that CSN produces more iron ore than its steel plants can use. Total sales of iron ore this year to third parties will reach 29 million tonnes, including 17 million tonnes from the company's Casa de Pedra mine. He added that the rest will come from CSN's Namisa subsidiary and from third parties.

Mr Saliba said that about 5.5 million tonnes of CSN's iron ore production will be sold to other steelmakers in Brazil.