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Trombetas Bauxite Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

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The Trombetas Mine, situated on the banks of the Trombetas River in the state of Pará, is Brazil's largest bauxite mine and one of the most significant globally. Operated by Mineração Rio do Norte (MRN), a consortium of national and international companies, the mine has been in production since 1979. Bauxite, the essential raw material for aluminum production, is extracted here using open-pit mining from massive sedimentary layers of the Amazon Basin. The logistics represent a technical marvel: the ore is transported via a dedicated railway line to Porto Trombetas, from where it is shipped along the Amazon River to refineries and for export. As the mine is located in an ecologically sensitive area, MRN has developed comprehensive reforestation and biodiversity protection programs. Annual production exceeds 12 million tons, firmly establishing Brazil in the top tier of global aluminum suppliers. In addition to its economic importance, the mine secures the raw material and energy independence of the Brazilian aluminum industry.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	26	26	26	26	26	26	28	30	30	30	28
Rain mm	228	286	313	309	228	110	76	52	53	80	95	163

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Trombetas Bauxite Mine is the largest bauxite mine in Brazil, located deep in the Amazon. It is a central pillar of the global aluminum supply chain, producing millions of tons of ore annually.

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Visiting

The mine is in a remote location and not accessible to tourists. External viewing is only possible with permission and under conditions, typically as part of scientific expeditions.

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Where to view it

From the Trombetas River, the loading facilities and river terminal are partly visible. The best perspective is from boats on the river or from the nearby Porto Trombetas airstrip.

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Local products

Bauxite is not sold directly, but the community of Porto Trombetas has small shops with local produce. River fish like Tucunaré and regional fruits like Açaí are available.

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Active season

Mining occurs year-round, with the dry season from June to November offering the best visibility of activities. In the rainy season, production decreases due to flooding.

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Nearby

Combine the visit with a boat trip on the Trombetas River through the rainforest. The nearby town of Oriximiná features access to Amazonian culture and indigenous communities.

Geography

Coordinates

-1.48830, -56.39860

Facts

The mine is operated by a consortium that includes Vale, South32, and Rio Tinto.
The first export of bauxite from Trombetas took place on August 13, 1979.
MRN operates a 28-kilometer railway line connecting the mine to the port.
Over 1,000 hectares of rainforest are reclaimed and reforested annually.
The bauxite deposits in the Oriximiná region are among the largest in the world.
The mine features its own infrastructure, including schools and hospitals for employees.

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

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the Trombetas bauxite mine located?

It is located in the Amazon rainforest in the west of Pará state.

How is the bauxite transported?

It is transported by ship via the Trombetas River to the Amazon.

Who operates the mine?

MRN (Mineração Rio do Norte) is the operating company.

What ecological measures are taken?

There are extensive programs for reforesting the rainforest after mining.

Can you visit the region?

Travel is logistically demanding and usually only possible by river.

Trombetas Bauxite Mine: where is it located?

Trombetas Bauxite Mine is located in Brazil.

Trombetas Bauxite Mine: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Trombetas Bauxite Mine: why is it worth visiting?

The Trombetas Mine, situated on the banks of the Trombetas River in the state of Pará, is Brazil's largest bauxite mine and one of the most significant globally.

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