# Vale Launches AI Model Plant in Itabira > Source: > Published: 2026-06-28 03:03:07+00:00 Industry context: Real-time, closed-loop AI applied to industrial process control changes MLOps requirements for practitioners by shifting focus to high-frequency telemetry, model latency, and integration with control systems. According to Vale, on June 10 the company inaugurated its first AI-powered "Model Plant" at the Conceição 2 unit in Itabira, Minas Gerais, with an annual capacity of **11.2 million tonnes** per year (Per Vale). Per Vale, the modernisation automated roughly **7,300 instruments**, added more than **100 monitoring cameras**, and uses data intelligence to control and optimise over **400 process variables**. Vale quotes Carlos Medeiros, its Vice President of Operations: "The model plant is more than a project: it represents a new way of operating," (direct quote in Vale release). Environment & Energy Leader and other industry outlets report the plant achieved a **25%** productivity gain, a **40%** increase in direct reduction pellet feed output, **26%** lower iron lost to tailings, and **92%** water reuse. Mining Magazine reports the modernisation followed about **R$200 million** (roughly USD 40 million) of investment.