(Yicai Global) June 19 -- Hebei Port Group, China's third-biggest port operator, and Vale, the world's largest iron ore and nickel producer, intend to expand their partnership in Tangshan, the leading global hub for iron and steel production.

The pair will team up on mixing and separating minerals and storing products in the two ports of Caofeidian and Jingtang in the northern city of Tangshan, the pair said in separate statements on June 17. They will also study the application of low-carbon technologies in terminals.

Vale has been mixing iron ores in the two ports in Hebei province for a long time. Last September, the Brazilian mining company sent Valemax ships, the world's largest bulk carriers, with 400,000 tons of cargo to the Port of Caofeidian, laying a solid foundation for the partnership.

Hebei province is a big iron and steel producer in China and cooperating with Hebei Port Group will increase Vale’s capabilities of providing high-quality iron ores and value-added services in the province and North China, per Zhao Zhen, managing director of iron ore operations of Vale in China.

Sun Wenzhong, vice chairman of the Chinese firm, said the two companies will seek more opportunities to work with each other in iron ore supply and processing.

Hebei Port Group has two berths for 400,000-ton ships. It loaded and unloaded 730 million tons of cargo last year, ranking third among major coastal port groups in the country.

Editor: Emmi Laine