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.Vale recognizes and understands the myriad human rights challenges inherent in our operations, given the nature of the mining industry and the locations where we operate. Our commitment to Human Rights spans across every phase of the mining life cycle—from mineral exploration to mine closure and across all businesses.
Furthermore, public policies that guarantee the Human Rights of communities are not always fully present in these very remote regions.
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.
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:
Headquarters: Brazil
Joint Ventures: Indonesia and Brazil
Operations: Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, Oman, Malaysia, and Japan
Offices: Canada, United States, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, United Kingdom, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Oman, United Arab Emirates, China, India, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, and Australia
Energy Transition Metals: Canada, Brazil, United Kingdom, and Japan
Mega Hubs: United States, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Oman
Ports: Canada, Brazil, and Malaysia
Exploration: Canada, Peru, Chile, Brazil, and Indonesia
Railways: Brazil
Underground Mines: Canada
Iron Ore Solutions: Brazil and Oman
Brazil: Vale operates in Brazil through an integrated model that combines mining, logistics, and energy. The company primarily produces iron ore and metals such as nickel and copper, while also operating an extensive logistics infrastructure—including railways, ports, and freight trains—that connects its operations to global markets. In addition, Vale has a significant presence in social, environmental, and cultural initiatives, contributing to the development of the regions where it operates.
Canada: In Canada, Vale focuses primarily on the production of base metals that support the energy transition. Its operations include underground mines and facilities dedicated to the production and processing of nickel, copper, cobalt, and platinum group metals. The country also hosts logistics infrastructure, ports, and corporate offices.
China: In China, Vale maintains a commercial and market-facing presence through its offices, supporting customers and strengthening connections across the global iron ore and metals value chain. China is the primary destination for Vale’s sales and plays a central role in the company’s strategy.
Indonesia: Vale’s presence in Indonesia is through a minority stake in PT Vale Indonesia, which operates nickel assets in the country.
Japan: Vale operates in Japan through industrial and commercial activities, including nickel refining and the supply of nickel products to customers worldwide.
Malaysia: In Malaysia, Vale’s operations are focused on logistics and distribution through its maritime terminal in Teluk Rubiah. The facility is used for the handling, storage, and distribution of iron ore in the region, connecting operations in Brazil with customers across Asia.
Oman: In Oman, Vale’s activities are centered on industrial and logistics operations through its complex in Sohar, which includes a pelletizing plant and port infrastructure.
United Kingdom: Vale operates in the United Kingdom through the refining of high-purity nickel, serving industrial applications and supporting the metals supply chain for the energy transition.
Vale’s global presence is directly aligned with the production and supply of minerals that are essential to the energy transition, such as copper, nickel, and cobalt. These materials play a critical role in electrification, battery technologies, and clean energy infrastructure.
The company also contributes to industrial decarbonization through the supply of high-quality iron ore, which enables more efficient production processes with lower carbon emissions.
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