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Carajás Mine

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Carajás Mine (Brazil)

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The Carajás Mine in the state of Pará is the largest iron ore mine in the world and a cornerstone of the Brazilian economy. This gigantic ore deposit was discovered in 1967 by a stroke of luck during a helicopter flight, leading to the establishment of the Carajás Project by the mining giant Vale. Extraction takes place via open-pit mining in the Serra dos Carajás, a region renowned for its extremely high-quality ores with an iron content exceeding 65%. To transport the ore to the global market, the 892-kilometer-long Estrada de Ferro Carajás railway was constructed, linking the mine to the Port of Itaqui in São Luís. The mine complex includes several sites, such as the innovative S11D project, which employs state-of-the-art technologies for sustainable mining. Despite its economic significance, the area is under constant scrutiny due to its location in the Amazon rainforest, specifically regarding environmental impacts and the protection of indigenous territories. Over 150 million tons of ore are extracted here annually, primarily for export to the Asian steel industry.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525252524262830292726
Rain mm2162682671931172814204199119150

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Carajás Mine is the world's largest open-pit iron ore mine and a cornerstone of the Brazilian mining sector. It supplies vital raw materials for the global steel industry and shapes the region's economy.
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Visiting
The mine itself is not open to the public, but there are designated viewing points. From the nearby observation platform, visitors can marvel at the immense scale of the open pit.
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Where to view it
The official viewing platform at the mine entrance features a sweeping view of the terraced mining benches. The surrounding hills also provide a good vantage point over the entire mine.
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Local products
The main products are iron ore and pellets, exported worldwide. However, local markets also offer mineral souvenirs and handcrafted items from the mining region.
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Active season
The mine operates around the clock, 365 days a year, with constant extraction rates. During the dry season from May to October, rail transport peaks due to better conditions.
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Nearby
A visit to the Carajás Mine can be combined with a tour of the Carajás National Park, offering impressive ecotourism opportunities. The nearby city of Parauapebas provides accommodation and services.

Geography

Coordinates
-6.05000, -50.15000

Facts

  • The mine is operated by the Brazilian company Vale S.A.
  • The iron content of the ore is an exceptional 66 to 67 percent.
  • The Estrada de Ferro Carajás operates some of the longest trains in the world (up to 330 cars).
  • The S11D project uses a conveyor belt system instead of trucks to reduce CO2 emissions.
  • Reserves are estimated at over 18 billion tons of high-grade iron ore.
  • The official inauguration of the first mining complex took place in 1985.

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Carajás Mine (3)

AD Carajás📍 landmark

This church is located in the residential settlement near the Carajás mine, the world's largest iron ore mine.

São do Reino das Testemunhas de Jeová📍 landmark

The Kingdom Hall serves the mining employees and their families in this remote Amazonian settlement.

Igreja Batista⛪ religious

The Baptist congregation is located in one of the gated residential areas for the Carajás mine staff.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Carajás mine?
It is the world's largest open-pit iron ore mine, operated by the company Vale in the state of Pará.
Where exactly is it located?
In the middle of the Amazon rainforest, in the Serra dos Carajás, in southeastern Pará state.
Can you visit the mine?
Tourist visits are highly restricted and usually only possible for educational purposes or professionals by appointment.
How is the ore transported?
Via the Carajás Railway (EFC), which connects the mine with the Port of Itaqui in São Luís.
What is the ecological importance of the region?
The mine is located within the Carajás National Forest, a protected area where mining and nature conservation must coexist.
Carajás Mine: where is it located?
Carajás Mine is located in Brazil.
Carajás Mine: what is there to see?
Highlights include AD Carajás, São do Reino das Testemunhas de Jeová, Igreja Batista.
Carajás Mine: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Carajás Mine: why is it worth visiting?
The Carajás Mine in the state of Pará is the largest iron ore mine in the world and a cornerstone of the Brazilian economy.
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Nearby cities

Belém — Carajás Mine (Brazil)
Belém
A port city at the mouth of the Amazon, famous for its Ver-o-Peso market.
Ananindeua — Carajás Mine (Brazil)
Ananindeua
The second largest city in the state of Pará, closely integrated into the Belém metropolitan area.
Barreirinhas — Carajás Mine (Brazil)
Barreirinhas
Barreirinhas is the gateway to the world-famous Lençóis Maranhenses National Park.
Alter do Chao — Carajás Mine (Brazil)
Alter do Chao
A village on the Tapajós River in the Amazon region, famous for its white sand beaches.

Nature

Xingu River — Carajás Mine (Brazil)
Xingu River
The Xingu River is a major tributary of the Amazon that crosses a wide stretch of forest and savanna.
Tapajós River — Carajás Mine (Brazil)
Tapajós River
The Tapajós River is known for its clear waters and strong Amazonian biodiversity.

More places

Port of Vila do Conde — Carajás Mine (Brazil)
Port of Vila do Conde
A major port in Barcarena, Pará, focused heavily on the export of aluminum, alumina, and other bulk minerals.
Marajó Island — Carajás Mine (Brazil)
Marajó Island
A massive coastal island at the mouth of the Amazon, noted for its water buffaloes.
Forte do Presépio — Carajás Mine (Brazil)
Forte do Presépio
The first Portuguese defense installation in the Amazon region, marking the origin of the city of Belém.
Theatro da Paz — Carajás Mine (Brazil)
Theatro da Paz
The Theatro da Paz is a magnificent opera house in Belém, built during the rubber boom and reflecting the neoclassical architectural styl…
Port of Belém — Carajás Mine (Brazil)
Port of Belém
An important river-marine port serving the Amazon estuary, facilitating regional trade and passenger transport.
Emílio Goeldi Museum Zoo-Botanical Park — Carajás Mine (Brazil)
Emílio Goeldi Museum Zoo-Botanical Park
A major research institution and park in the Amazon dedicated to the local flora and fauna.
Trombetas Bauxite Mine — Carajás Mine (Brazil)
Trombetas Bauxite Mine
The largest bauxite mine in Brazil, located deep in the Amazon and pivotal for the global aluminum supply chain.