The partners of Samarco have approved the USD 3.5 billion Fourth Pellet Plant Project at Samarco, Brazil. The expansion will increase Samarco iron ore pellet production capacity by 8.3 million to 30.5 million tns/yr. First pellet production is expected in the first half of calendar year 2014. The investment includes additional mining capacity and a third concentrator at the Germano mine, a third slurry pipeline of approximately 400 km in length; and a fourth pellet plant and enhanced ship loading capacity at the Ponta Ubu site. BHP Billiton has a 50% interest in Samarco, with the remaining 50% held by Vale.