Pact paves way for A*STAR’s technologies to be incorporated into the operations of one of the largest mining companies in the world.
Singapore– Brazil-based Vale SA and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to harness technologies developed by A*STAR to improve the company’s capabilities in exploration, mining, mineral processing,and sustainable logistics management.
As one of the world’s largest mining companies, Vale prioritises sustainability driven solutions and logistics efficiencies throughout its global operations. The company is looking to tap into technologies to improve its operations in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.
Under the MOU, both parties have identified areas of research collaboration to scale-up Vale’s management of natural resources and its logistics operations. These include geometrical modelling, data analytics, as well as environmental and sustainability analysis.
A*STAR has proven strengths in data analytics and its data analytics team has won several international accolades[1]’s expertise can help Vale identify patterns, trends, and other intelligence in their logistics business to predict what will happen in the future. A*STAR's deep R&D capabilities in environmental and sustainability analysis will also enable Vale to explore areas of eco-efficiency across its many business operations.
Mr. Murilo Ferreira, President & Chief Executive Officer of Vale, said, “This agreement with A*STAR is aligned with VALE’s strategic objectives of partnering with top-tier research and development organizations who can work together to identify further opportunities and efficiencies for our business to meet the rising demand of natural resources in Asian markets”.
Dr. Raj.Thampuran, Managing Director of A*STAR, said, “We are pleased that Vale has chosen to anchor their research and development efforts in Singapore with A*STAR. This is a strong endorsement of Singapore’s science and technology capabilities and innovation capacity. Vale’s presence will no doubt raise the competitiveness of this sector.”
Mr. Lee Eng Keat, EDB’s Director of Natural Resources, said, “Singapore has developed strong capabilities in advanced information technologies, such as modelling and data analytics which mining companies can tap on to improve the efficiency of their mining operations and better optimise asset utilisation. This MOU is the first of its kind between the Singapore Government and a global mining company and will provide Singapore’s research community an opportunity to develop new solutions for the mining industry.”
Said Mr Teo Eng Cheong, Chief Executive Officer, International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, “In recent years, we have seen an increasing number of Brazilian companies such as Vale, establish presence in Singapore. Their offices here leverage on Singapore’s strategic location and business infrastructure to conduct their trading operations and corporate functions. At the same time, this benefits the ancillary services sectors and contributes to jobs in Singapore. Vale’s collaboration with A*STAR is a result of strong connections built within Singapore’s robust trade ecosystem. It is also a testament to deepening business ties between Singapore and Brazil.”
For media queries and clarifications, please contact:
Doris Yang
Senior Officer, Corporate Communications
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Tel: +65 6419 6525
Email: yangscd@scei.a-star.edu.sg
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