Brazilian railway company Vale expands its fleet

The Brazilian mining giant Vale announced recently an agreement with Wabtec for the purchase of 50 new diesel locomotives.

The Vitória-Minas Railway is one of Brazil’s most important rail lines, stretching over 900 kilometers between the coastal city of Vitória in Espírito Santo and Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais. Operated by Vale, it is one of the few railways in Brazil offering both freight and regular passenger services. Few know that it is also the longest daily passenger train service in Latin America, running through the scenic Atlantic Forest, remote villages, and iron ore-rich regions. Along the route, it serves over 25 municipalities and provides critical access for isolated communities. The line includes modernized stations, onboard dining, and even a medical car offering health services to rural populations—a little-known but vital lifeline in Brazilian infrastructure. Photo: Daniel Lopes, Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 — The Vitória-Minas Railway is one of Brazil’s most important rail lines, stretching over 900 kilometers between the coastal city of Vitória in Espírito Santo and Belo Horizonte in Minas Gerais. Operated by Vale, it is one of the few railways in Brazil offering both freight and regular passenger services. Few know that it is also the *longest daily passenger train service in Latin America*, running through the scenic Atlantic Forest, remote villages, and iron ore-rich regions. Along the route, it serves over 25 municipalities and provides critical access for isolated communities. The line includes modernized stations, onboard dining, and even a medical car offering health services to rural populations—a little-known but vital lifeline in Brazilian infrastructure. Photo: Daniel Lopes, Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

These locomotives are designated for use on the Vitória-Minas Railway (EFVM) and the Carajás Railway (EFC), both integral to Vale's logistics operations in Brazil. This acquisition aims to enhance the efficiency and capacity of Vale's freight transportation network.

One of the world's largest producers

Vale S.A., headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, is a leading global mining company and one of the world's largest producers of iron ore and nickel. The company also produces manganese, copper, and coal, and operates extensive logistics systems, including railways, ports, and ships, to transport its products. As of 2023, Vale employed approximately 66,807 people.

Vital for remote regions

Vale operates over 2,000 kilometers of railroad network in Brazil, managing two passenger trains and one tourist train. The Vitória-Minas Railway (EFVM) and the Carajás Railway (EFC) are the primary lines, facilitating both freight and passenger transport. These services are vital for connecting remote regions and supporting local communities.

The Carajás Railway (EFC) runs 892 kilometers through the Amazon and Maranhão states, connecting the world’s largest iron ore mine in Carajás to the Ponta da Madeira port in São Luís. Operated by Vale, it is primarily a heavy-duty freight line but also offers weekly passenger services—an unusual feature for a mining railway. What many don’t know is that the EFC crosses more than 100 indigenous and traditional communities, and Vale operates mobile health units and educational outreach along the line. Another hidden fact: the EFC is one of the most technologically advanced railways in Latin America, featuring automated train operation systems and one of the longest freight trains in the world, sometimes over 3 km long. Photo: Nando cunha, Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

Challenges in the global market

In 2024, Vale reported a total operating revenue of $10.124 billion, a decrease of approximately 22.38% from the previous year's $13.054 billion. This decline reflects challenges in the global market, including fluctuations in demand and commodity prices.

Despite these challenges, Vale achieved its highest annual iron ore production since 2018, with nearly 328 million metric tons produced in 2024, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. However, fourth-quarter production saw a 4.6% decline due to a strategic focus on higher-margin products.

Improve relations with the government

Vale's investment in new locomotives aligns with its strategy to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. The company is also focusing on expanding its copper production, aiming to double output over the next decade to meet the growing demand for minerals essential to the clean energy transition. Additionally, Vale is working to improve relations with the Brazilian government, emphasizing shared interests and collaborative efforts to support economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Facts about Vitória-Minas Railway (EFVM) and Carajás Railway

Vitória-Minas Railway (EFVM

The Vitória-Minas Railway (EFVM) is a key Brazilian railway line that connects Vitória, in Espírito Santo, to Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais. Established on May 13, 1904, the railway was initially constructed to transport coffee and passengers. Over time, it became instrumental in facilitating the transport of iron ore and other goods.

Employees: While the exact number of employees dedicated solely to EFVM isn't specified, the railway is operated by Vale S.A., a major mining company. As of 2023, Vale employed approximately 66,807 individuals globally.

Destinations: The EFVM spans approximately 905 kilometers, connecting Belo Horizonte to Vitória. Along its route, it serves 28 stations, providing essential connectivity to various municipalities between these two cities.

Fleet: EFVM operates a diverse fleet of locomotives to manage both freight and passenger services. Historically, models such as the EMD G12, EMD G16, GE BB40-9WM, and EMD GT26CU-2 have been utilized. In a move to modernize and enhance efficiency, Vale announced the acquisition of 36 Wabtec EVOBBW locomotives for EFVM in 2025. These new locomotives are designed to operate with higher biodiesel blends, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

EFVM remains a vital component of Brazil's transportation infrastructure, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers across significant regions.

Carajás Railway (EFC)

Founded:The Carajás Railway was officially opened in 1985 to support the transport of iron ore from the giant Carajás mine in Pará to the port of Ponta da Madeira in São Luís, Maranhão. It was built and is still operated by Vale S.A., one of the world’s largest mining companies.

Employees: While Vale does not publicly state how many employees work specifically on the EFC, the company had 66,807 employees globally in 2023. A significant portion of the workforce is engaged in Vale’s logistics and railway operations in northern Brazil.

Destinations: The EFC stretches 892 kilometers from Parauapebas in Pará to São Luís in Maranhão. It crosses 27 municipalities and provides critical infrastructure for both freight and people in otherwise hard-to-reach regions. A weekly passenger service is offered, one of the few long-distance trains still operating in Brazil.

Fleet:The railway operates some of the longest and heaviest freight trains in the world, often over 3 kilometers long with more than 300 wagons.T he fleet includes:

GE Dash 9-44CW
GE AC44i
GE ES58ACiIn 2025, Vale ordered 50 new Wabtec locomotives, designed for improved fuel efficiency and compatible with higher blends of biodiesel. A share of these locomotives will be deployed on the EFC.

Unknown and Noteworthy: Few people know that the EFC cuts through more than 100 traditional and indigenous communities. Vale operates mobile medical and dental clinics along the railway, as well as education and sustainability programs.Technologically, it is one of the most modern rail systems in Latin America, equipped with automated control systems, and key to Vale’s low-cost logistics for ore exports.