SAO PAULO, March 25 (Reuters) - Brazilian miner Vale

said on Monday it has been selected by the U.S.

government to begin negotiations for a potential financing for a

new iron ore briquette plant in the country, according to a

securities filing.

Vale said it will negotiate an award for up to $282.9

million for the project, which was selected by the Department of

Energy through a program focused on technologies to reduce

emissions.