The partners of Samarco have approved the $ 3.5 billion Fourth Pellet Plant Project at Samarco, Brazil. The expansion will increase Samarco iron ore pellet production capacity by 8.3 million to 30.5 million tns/yr. First pellet production is expected in the first half of calendar year 2014. The investment includes additional mining capacity and a third concentrator at the Germano mine, a third slurry pipeline of approximately 400 km in length; and a fourth pellet plant and enhanced ship loading capacity at the Ponta Ubu site.