Vale operates in Brazil and abroad
Vale operates in Brazil and internationally, with a presence in 18 countries and headquarters in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The company operates across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania, integrating mining operations with an extensive proprietary logistics network, including approximately 2,000 km of railways, as well as maritime terminals, ports, and distribution centers.
As the world’s largest producer of iron ore and one of the global leaders in nickel and copper, Vale connects regions, industrial value chains, and international markets, contributing to the global supply of essential minerals for industry and the energy transition.
Presence in Brazil
Founded in Brazil in 1942, Vale operates in five strategic states: Minas Gerais, Pará, Maranhão, Espírito Santo, and Rio de Janeiro. In these regions, the company combines high-quality mineral extraction with integrated logistics infrastructure. Vale continuously invests in the social, environmental, cultural, and economic development of the regions where it operates, contributing to job creation, income generation, and the strengthening of local communities.
Minas Gerais
Minas Gerais is Vale’s birthplace, with the company founded in Itabira. The state hosts key mining complexes within the Southeastern System and is a cornerstone of Vale’s iron ore operations.
The Vargem Grande and Capanema projects were completed in 2024 and 2025, respectively, jointly adding 30 million tonnes of production capacity. Vale’s operations in Minas Gerais combine mining tradition, technological innovation, and strong commitments to safety and socio-environmental responsibility.
Pará
Vale’s main operational hub, Pará is home to the S11D Eliezer Batista Complex, the company’s largest mining asset and a global benchmark in the production of high-quality iron ore.
In 2025, Vale announced the Novo Carajás Program, which foresees approximately R$70 billion in investments through 2030 to expand iron ore and copper production. The initiative prioritizes dry processing technologies, circular economy practices, and sustainable mining, while strengthening the supply of critical minerals essential for the energy transition.
Maranhão
A key logistics corridor for Vale, Maranhão hosts the Carajás Railway (EFC)—spanning 892 km—and the Ponta da Madeira Maritime Terminal in São Luís, one of the largest and most modern iron ore export terminals in the world.</p>”
“<p>This infrastructure ensures the efficient transportation of production from the Carajás Complex, connecting the Amazon’s inland production areas to major markets in Europe and Asia.
Espírito Santo
A pillar of Vale’s Southeastern System, Espírito Santo is home to the Tubarão Complex in Vitória—one of the largest pelletizing centers in the world, integrating industrial facilities with port infrastructure.
The state is also the endpoint of the Vitória-Minas Railway (EFVM), a 905 km railway connecting the Iron Quadrangle in Minas Gerais to the coast. In addition to transporting iron ore and general cargo, EFVM operates a long-distance passenger train, contributing to mobility and socioeconomic development along its route.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro hosts Vale’s global headquarters and concentrates its corporate activities. The state also includes strategic operational and logistics assets, such as the Ilha de Guaíba Terminal (TIG) in Mangaratiba and the Sepetiba Bay Port Company (CPBS) in Itaguaí.
These terminals are essential for the shipment of iron ore from Minas Gerais through the Southern System.
International Presence
Outside Brazil, Vale operates through a combination of industrial operations, offices, distribution centers, and strategic partnerships that support the integration of its value chain across different regions worldwide. This structure enables the company to coordinate production, logistics, and commercial flows efficiently and in alignment with global market demands.
Vale’s international presence strengthens its ability to serve customers across multiple regions, support strategic industrial value chains, and contribute to the global supply of essential minerals for industry and the energy transition.
Learn more about Vale's operations in other countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Headquartered in Brazil, Vale is a global mining company with a presence in 18 countries. Its international footprint includes mining and industrial operations, logistics assets, commercial offices, and strategic partnerships, as well as the production and supply of essential minerals for the energy transition.
Below are the main types of Vale’s presence in Brazil and abroad:
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Headquarters: Brazil
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Joint Ventures: Indonesia and Brazil
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Operations: Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, Oman, Malaysia, and Japan
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Offices: Canada, United States, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, United Kingdom, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Oman, United Arab Emirates, China, India, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, and Australia
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Energy Transition Metals: Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, and Japan
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Mega Hubs: United States, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Oman
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Ports: Canada, Brazil, and Malaysia
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Exploration: Canada, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and Indonesia
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Railways: Brazil
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Underground Mines: Canada
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Iron Ore Solutions: Brazil and Oman
Brazil:
Vale’s operations in Brazil are highly integrated, encompassing mining, industrial and logistics hubs (mega hubs), production of energy transition metals, commercial offices, industrial processing of iron ore, logistics, and energy. This structure is supported by mines, railways, ports, and industrial operations across the country.
Canada:
In Canada, Vale has a strong presence in base and energy transition metals, including underground mines and operations focused on the production and processing of nickel, copper, cobalt, and platinum group metals. The country also hosts logistics infrastructure, ports, and offices.
China:
In China, Vale maintains a commercial and market-facing presence through its offices, supporting connections with the global iron ore and metals value chain.
Indonesia:
Vale operates in Indonesia through a joint venture, focusing on the production of critical minerals—particularly nickel—as well as exploration activities.
Japan:
In Japan, Vale operates industrial facilities and offices, with activities related to energy transition metals, primarily serving the Asian market and supporting other company operations.
Malaysia:
In Malaysia, Vale’s presence is focused on logistics and distribution, with port infrastructure, operations, and offices dedicated to the handling and blending of iron ore.
Oman:
In Oman, Vale operates with an industrial and logistics focus, including a pelletizing plant, integrated industrial hubs (mega hubs), as well as office and port infrastructure.
United Kingdom:
In the United Kingdom, Vale’s activities are centered on the production of refined nickel, with a focus on high-purity products for various industrial applications, supported by offices, industrial operations, and energy transition metals-related activities.
Vale’s global footprint reflects a strategic decision to be close to the minerals and markets that will be critical for economic decarbonization and the energy transition.
This transition depends on specific metals such as copper—essential for wiring, power grids, and energy infrastructure; nickel—key for electric vehicle batteries; and cobalt and platinum group metals (PGMs), which are used in a range of clean energy technologies. Vale operates in the production and supply of these minerals across different regions worldwide.
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