VALE Vale SA

 

 

United States

Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16

of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the month of

 

October 2021

 

Vale S.A.

 

Praia de Botafogo nº 186, 18º andar, Botafogo
22250-145 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

(Address of principal executive office)

 

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)

 

(Check One) Form 20-F x Form 40-F ¨

 

(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1))

 

(Check One) Yes ¨ No x

 

(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7))

 

(Check One) Yes ¨    No x

 

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.)

 

(Check One) Yes ¨ No x

 

(If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b). 82- __.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

www.vale.com

vale.ri@vale.com

Tel.: (5521) 3485-3900

 

Investor Relations Department

 

Ivan Fadel

André Werner

Mariana Rocha

Samir Bassil

 

B3: VALE3

NYSE: VALE

LATIBEX: XVALO

 

 

This press release may include statements about Vale's current expectations about future events or results (forward -looking statements). Many of those forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward -looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "expect," "should," "plan," "intend," "estimate" “will” and "potential," among others. All forward - looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties. Vale cannot guarantee that these statements will prove correct. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, factors related to: (a) the countries where Vale operates, especially Brazil and Canada; (b) the global economy; (c) the capital markets; (d) the mining and metals prices and their dependence on global industrial production, which is cyclical by nature; and (e) global competition in the markets in which Vale operates. Vale cautions you that actual results may differ materially from the plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in this presentation. Vale undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward -looking statement, whether as a result of new information or future events or for any other reason. To obtain further information on factors that may lead to results different from those forecast by Vale, please consult the reports that Vale files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Brazilian Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM) and, in particular, the factors discussed under “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” in Vale’s annual report on Form 20 -F.

 

 

 

Production and sales in 3Q21

 

Rio de Janeiro, October 19^th, 2021 – The third quarter of Vale S.A. (“Vale”) was noticeable by (i) increased production of iron ore and coal, following their respective production recovery plans and better weather conditions, (ii) the sharp drop in iron ore prices (-US$ 37/dmt of 62%Fe index vs. 2Q21) leading to a review on production and sales of high-silica iron ore products, (iii) gradual resumption of the North Atlantic Base Metals operations after conclusion of a new five-year collective bargaining agreement in Sudbury, and (iv) incident at Totten mine with all 39 employees having safely returned to the surface.

 

Vale’s iron ore fines production¹ totaled 89.4 Mt in 3Q21, 18.1% higher than in 2Q21, as a result of: (i) seasonal improvement of weather-related conditions in Northern System, boosting Serra Norte and S11D performance; (ii) Vargem Grande production increase by dry processing while adjusting the flowsheet of one of its wet-processing plants; (iii) Itabira’s performance improvement related to better run-of-mine (“ROM”) availability; (iv) higher third-party purchase, although proportionally lower than the previous quarter (5.8% of total production in 3Q21 vs 6.2% in 2Q21); and (v) Fábrica’s reaching its full capacity of 6 Mtpy, after the resumption of beneficiation process in 2Q21.

 

 

On September 9^th, during 2021 Analyst and Investor Tour, Vale presented an updated view of its production capacity resumption plan and launched new portfolio solutions for decarbonize steelmaking industry. The presentation is available here.

 

Vale remains committed to its capacity resumption plan, which is also associated with eliminating restrictions and optimizing costs. In 3Q21, Maravilhas III dam operations in Vargem Grande complex started following the issuance of a positive Stability Condition Declaration (DCE). As an additional step on the resumption plan, Vale started to commission the long-distance conveyor belt segment close to Vargem Grande dam in October, resuming after several tests certifying the absence of increased risk to the structure. At the end of commissioning, an increase of 6 Mtpy is expected in the production capacity of the Vargem Grande site.

 

¹ Including third-party purchases, run-of-mine and feed for pelletizing plants. Vale’s product portfolio Fe content reached 62.9%, alumina 1.4% and silica 5.2%.

 

 

 

Vale’s pellet production totalled 8.3 Mt in 3Q21, in line with 2Q21, still restricted by pellet feed availability in Itabira and Brucutu.

 

Production and sales strategy is based on market conditions, prioritizing value over volume, with focus on margin maximization. As consequence, for the fourth quarter this year, Vale should lower its supply of high-silica low-margin products by around 4 Mt, as demand for this kind of product has been weaker. This movement does not change our production guidance for the year, of 315-335 Mt, but should take us below the middle of the range. If this scenario persists, we should also reduce the offer of low-margin products in 2022 by around 12-15 Mt. The purchase level of third-party ores may also be adjusted accordingly.

 

Sales volumes of iron ore fines and pellets totalled 75.9 Mt in 3Q21, in line with 2Q21. The approximately 13 Mt gap between production and sales in 3Q21 was an effect of (i) Vale’s value over volume approach, by reducing the sales of high-silica iron ore products in September due to market price level; and (ii) transiting inventories across the supply chain, which is expected to revert in 4Q21, depending on market conditions.

 

Iron ore price premium was US$ 6.6/t², US$ 1.8/t lower than in 2Q21, due to (i) lower premiums paid to low alumina ores, as BRBF and IOCJ; and (ii) lower contribution from Pellets business as the 65/62% Fe index spread narrowed; which were partially offset by (i) higher Fe content premiums, despite the lower benchmark index, as a result of the lower sales of high-silica iron ore products; and (ii) higher contractual pellet premiums.

 

Production of finished nickel was 30.2 kt in 3Q21, 27.2% lower than 2Q21, mainly due to the labour disruption at Sudbury, which halted operations for 70 days, of which 40 days were in 3Q21, with an impact of 11kt on finished nickel production in the quarter. In addition, Onça Puma went through extended maintenance during 3Q21, with production resuming late September.

 

The labor disruption at Sudbury ended on August 4th, 2021, after a new five-year collective bargaining agreement. A process to return to work safely commenced on August 9th, and critical maintenance activities were started. During September production partially resumed, and in October all mines are planned to be back in operation, with the exception of Totten.

 

Damage to the Totten mine shaft, on September 26^th, has rendered the normal conveyance system inoperable, as a result production at the site was halted. Vale is assessing the necessary measures to safely repair the mine shaft and operations are expected to resume by early 2022.

 

² Iron ore premium of US$ 1.9/t and weighted average contribution of pellets of US$ 4.6/t.

 

 

 

From October 4th to 7th and since October 18th, Onça Puma mine operation was halted, following the suspension of the operating license by the Environmental and Sustainability office of the Pará State (Secretaria de Estado de Meio Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, SEMAS).

 

Copper production reached 69.2 kt in 3Q21, 5.7% lower compared to 2Q21, mainly due to the labour disruption at Sudbury, which affected total copper production by 16 kt in the quarter. This was partially offset by a more robust performance at Sossego, as plant availability increased in the quarter after scheduled maintenance was completed in 2Q21.

 

In October, a fire partially affected the conveyor belt at Salobo mine, with no injuries and no environmental damage. Copper concentration at Salobo is currently halted, but expected to resume by the end of October.

 

We expect to produce 45-50 kt of nickel and 75-80 kt of copper in 4Q21, resulting in a production of approximately 165-170 kt of nickel and 295-300 kt of copper for the year of 2021. The range considers the risks associated with the scheduled resumption of operations at Totten mine and Salobo plant and the stoppage of Onça Puma mine. In addition, the range accounts for the continued ramp up of all Sudbury operations.

 

 

 

 

Production summary

 

																						% change
000’ metric tons		3Q21				2Q21				3Q20				9M21				9M20				3Q21/2Q21				3Q21/3Q20				9M21/9M20
Iron ore1			89,421				75,685				88,676				233,137				215,877				18.1	%			0.8	%			8.0	%
Pellets			8,341				8,008				8,562				22,637				22,559				4.1	%			-2.6	%			0.3	%
Manganese Ore			108				113				109				312				621				-4.4	%			-0.9	%			-49.8	%
Coal			2,497				2,091				1,402				4,648				5,678				19.4	%			78.1	%			22.2	%
Nickel			30.2				41.5				38.6				120.2				132.9				-27.2	%			-21.8	%			-9.6	%
Copper			69.2				73.4				87.6				219.3				266.6				-5.7	%			-21.0	%			-17.7	%
Cobalt (metric tons)			452				754				622				1,919				1,849				-40.1	%			-27.3	%			3.8	%
Gold (000' oz troy)			93				96				116				275				349				-3.1	%			-19.8	%			-21.2	%

 

¹ Including third-party purchases, run -of-mine and feed for pelletizing plants.

 

Sales summary

 

																						% change
000’ metric tons		3Q21				2Q21				3Q20				9M21				9M20				3Q21/2Q21				3Q21/3Q20				9M21/9M20
Iron ore1			67,844				67,218				65,769				194,361				172,040				0.9	%			3.2	%			13.0	%
Pellets			8,037				7,647				8,464				21,955				22,725				5.1	%			-5.0	%			-3.4	%
Manganese Ore			111				169				428				537				917				-34.3	%			-74.1	%			-41.4	%
Coal			2,640				1,544				1,381				2,559				5,199				70.9	%			91.9	%			20.0	%
Nickel²			41.8				47.4				50.2				137.2				124.3				-11.8	%			-16.7	%			10.3	%
Copper			65.4				74.2				80.6				210.8				253.3				-11.9	%			-18.9	%			-16.8	%

 

¹  Including third-party purchases, run -of-mine and feed for pelletizing plants.

²  Historical figures exclude VNC sales .

 

Production guidance

 

			2021
Iron ore (Mt)			315-335
Nickel (kt)			165-170
Copper (kt)			295-300

 

 

 

Iron ore

 

																						% change
000’ metric tons		3Q21				2Q21				3Q20				9M21				9M20				3Q21/2Q21				3Q21/3Q20				9M21/9M20
Northern System			53,020				43,501				56,850				138,814				139,213				21.9	%			-6.7	%			-0.3	%
Serra Norte and Serra Leste			31,961				26,916				32,459				84,177				78,258				18.7	%			-1.5	%			7.6	%
S11D			21,059				16,585				24,391				54,637				60,955				27.0	%			-13.7	%			-10.4	%
Southeastern System			19,532				18,059				16,307				51,121				40,817				8.2	%			19.8	%			25.2	%
Itabira (Cauê, Conceição and others)			7,795				7,233				6,465				20,709				17,796				7.8	%			20.6	%			16.4	%
Minas Centrais (Brucutu and others)			5,696				5,490				4,394				14,642				12,233				3.8	%			29.6	%			18.2	%
Mariana (Alegria, Timbopeba and others)			6,041				5,337				5,448				15,770				10,788				13.2	%			10.9	%			46.2	%
Southern System			16,138				13,441				14,930				41,287				34,054				20.1	%			8.1	%			21.2	%
Paraopeba (Mutuca, Fábrica and others)			6,867				5,899				7,064				18,083				16,585				16.4	%			-2.8	%			9.0	%
Vargem Grande (Vargem Grande, Pico and others)			9,271				7,542				7,866				23,204				17,469				22.9	%			17.9	%			32.8	%
Midwestern System			731				684				589				1,915				1,793				6.9	%			24.1	%			6.8	%
Corumbá			731				684				589				1,915				1,793				6.9	%			24.1	%			6.8	%
IRON ORE PRODUCTION1			89,421				75,685				88,676				233,137				215,877				18.1	%			0.8	%			8.0	%
IRON ORE SALES2			67,844				67,218				65,769				194,361				172,040				0.9	%			3.2	%			13.0	%
IRON ORE AND PELLETS SALES²			75,881				74,865				74,233				216,316				194,765				1.4	%			2.2	%			11.1	%

 

1

Including third-party purchases, run -of-mine and feed for pelletizing plants.

 

2

Including third-party purchases and run -of -mine.

 

Production variation (3Q21 x 2Q21)

Mt

 

 

 

Northern System

 

Northern System production increased 21.9% vs. 2Q21, mainly as a result of better weather in the region, with lower rainfall levels ³ , guaranteeing more stability in production. However, compared to 3Q20, production was lower mainly due to (i) licensing delays consistently impacting Serra Norte’s ROM availability; and (ii) productivity impacts related to the processing of jaspilite materials in S11D ore body, which was partially offset by Serra Leste production.

 

Vale will install the remaining three of four jaspilite crushers in S11D during 4Q21 and 2022, which is expected improve S11D capacity throughout next year. In addition to the four jaspilite crushers, a new crusher is required to process large compact waste blocks, restricting S11D production capacity on around 5 Mtpy until it is installed. The start-up is expected by 2025.

 

 

³ 3Q21 = 84mm vs. 2Q21 = 279mm in Serra Norte.

 

 

 

 

Southeastern System

 

Southeastern System performance improved sequentially largely by (i) higher productivity of Itabira and Mariana complexes’ processing plants due to the ROM quality improvement of the mines that feed these plants; and (ii) higher availability of hematite ores in Brucutu.

 

In September, the Regional Superintendence of Labor (SRT) issued a term of partial suspension of the Mariana Complex interdiction, near the Xingu dam, in order to allow the regular operation of the Vitória a Minas Railroad (EFVM) on the Fábrica Nova branch. Internal access between the Timbopeba site and the Alegria site was also allowed. During the interdiction period, Vale implemented an unmanned train operation covering a 16 km stretch to expedite Timbopeba site production and increased the ROM availability from Alegria mine.

 

Southern System

 

The better operational performance (vs. 2Q21) can largely be attributed to (i) Vargem Grande production increase by dry processing while adjusting the processing flowsheet of one of its wet-processing plants and after the scheduled maintenance at the Pico site in April; (ii) higher third-party purchase; (iii) Fábrica site reaching its full capacity after the resumption of beneficiation plants in 2Q21; (iv) more ROM availability in Mutuca, as expected in its mining plan.

 

In 3Q21, Maravilhas III (Phase I) dam operations in Vargem Grande complex started following the issuance of a positive Stability Condition Declaration (DCE).

 

In addition, Brazilian National Mining Agency (ANM) issued a Term of Suspension in October of the interdiction of part of the Long-Distance Belt Conveyor (TCLD) system of the Vargem Grande Complex, which had been halted since Feb/2019. Vale is commissioning the long-distance conveyor belt segment close to Vargem Grande dam, resuming after several tests certifying the absence of increased risk to the structure. At the end of commissioning, an increase of 6 Mtpy is expected in the production capacity of the Vargem Grande site.

 

 

 

Pellets

 

																						% change
000’ metric tons			3Q21				2Q21				3Q20				9M21				9M20				3Q21/2Q21				3Q21/3Q20				9M21/9M20
Northern System			1,020				748				1,176				2,729				2,978				36.4	%			-13.3	%			-8.4	%
São Luis			1,020				748				1,176				2,729				2,978				36.4	%			-13.3	%			-8.4	%
Southeastern System			4,357				3,963				4,906				11,930				13,575				9.9	%			-11.2	%			-12.1	%
Itabrasco (Tubarão 3)			972				742				821				2,297				2,164				31.0	%			18.4	%			6.1	%
Hispanobras (Tubarão 4)			-				-				863				169				1,855				-				-100	%			-90.9	%
Nibrasco (Tubarão 5 and 6)			1,069				974				1,007				2,742				3,074				9.8	%			6.2	%			-10.8	%
Kobrasco (Tubarão 7)			826				803				849				2,236				2,200				2.9	%			-2.7	%			1.6	%
Tubarão 8			1,490				1,445				1,366				4,486				4,283				3.1	%			9.1	%			4.8	%
Southern System			803				975				-				2,434				129				-17.6	%			n.m.				1,786.8	%
Fábrica			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Vargem Grande			803				975				-				2,434				129				-17.6	%			n.m.				1,786.8	%
Oman			2,161				2,322				2,480				5,544				5,877				-6.9	%			-12.9	%			-5.7	%
PELLETS PRODUCTION			8,341				8,008				8,562				22,637				22,559				4.1	%			-2.6	%			0.3	%
PELLETS SALES			8,037				7,647				8,464				21,955				22,725				5.1	%			-5.0	%			-3.4	%

 

Production overview

 

Pellet production was in line with 2Q21, still limited by the pellet feed availability from Itabira and Brucutu sites. Quarterly results variations are mostly explained by (i) lower maintenance activities in São Luis; (ii) higher pellet feed availability from Itabira increasing Tubarão pellet production; and (iii) lower pellet production in Vargem Grande due to less availability of pellet feed from Plant #2, while adaptations in the wet-processing flow are being carried out.

 

Vale launched a cold agglomerated product called iron ore briquettes, an agglomerated product produced from pellet feed or sinter feed ores. The iron ore briquette is part of Vale’s strategy to reduce by 15% Scope 3 emissions by 2035. Following this strategy Vale decided to convert Tubarão 1 & 2 pellet plants to briquetting plants, utilizing some common facilities, and optimizing investments. Therefore, from this report onwards, the information on Tubarão 1 & 2 plants will no longer be available in this session.

 

Also, a third plant is under construction in Vargem Grande Complex. Vale’s initial briquetting capacity at Tubarão 1 & 2 and Vargem Grande will be approximately 7 Mtpy and the operations are expected to start up in 2023 with an estimated investment of US$ 185 million. More information is available here.

 

 

 

Manganese ore and ferroalloys

 

																						% change
000’ metric tons			3Q21				2Q21				3Q20				9M21				9M20				3Q21/2Q21				3Q21/3Q20				9M21/9M20
MANGANESE ORE PRODUCTION			108				113				109				312				621				-4.4	%			-0.9	%			-49.8	%
Azul			-				-				-				-				230				-				-				-100	%
Urucum			77				78				89				219				330				-1.5	%			-13.6	%			-33.7	%
Morro da Mina			31				35				20				94				61				-12.9	%			57.0	%			54.9	%
MANGANESE ORE SALES			111				169				428				537				917				-34.3	%			-74.1	%			-41.4	%
FERROALLOYS PRODUCTION			19				19				15				54				58				0.0	%			26.7	%			-6.1	%
FERROALLOYS SALES			16				15				15				45				52				6.7	%			6.7	%			-13.1	%

 

Production and sales overview

 

Manganese ore production totaled 108 kt in 3Q21, 4.4% lower than in 2Q21, primarily attributable to the programmed reduction in production at Morro da Mina, in line with its mining plan. When compared to 3Q20, production was in line.

 

Manganese ore sales were 34.3% and 74.1% lower than in 2Q21 and 3Q20, respectively, given the suspension of operations in the Azul mine and the end of its remaining inventory.

 

On September 28^th, Vale signed the agreement for the sale of its manganese ferroalloy assets in Minas Gerais to the Grupo VDL. The conclusion of the divestment, still subject to approval by the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), will end Vale's activities in the production of manganese ferroalloys, simplifying Vale’s portfolio.

 

 

 

 

Nickel

 

Finished production by source

 

																						% change
000’ metric tons			3Q21				2Q21				3Q20				9M21				9M20				3Q21/2Q21				3Q21/3Q20				9M21/9M20
Canada			12.4				20.4				18.9				58.0				67.3				-39.2	%			-34.4	%			-13.8	%
Sudbury			2.4				9.0				6.5				23.4				32.0				-73.3	%			-63.1	%			-26.9	%
Thompson			0.6				1.4				2.2				4.8				8.5				-57.1	%			-72.7	%			-43.5	%
Voisey's Bay			9.4				10.0				10.1				29.8				26.8				-6.0	%			-6.9	%			11.2	%
Indonesia			15.1				14.5				15.3				45.0				51.4				4.1	%			-1.3	%			-12.5	%
Brazil			2.2				5.2				3.2				13.7				9.4				-57.7	%			-31.3	%			45.7	%
Feed from third-parties1			0.6				1.3				1.3				3.5				4.8				-53.8	%			-53.8	%			-27.1	%
NICKEL PRODUCTION			30.2				41.5				38.6				120.2				132.9				-27.2	%			-21.8	%			-9.6	%
NICKEL SALES2			41.8				47.4				50.2				137.1				124.3				-11.8	%			-16.7	%			10.3	%

 

1

External feed purchased from third -parties and processed into finished nickel in our Canadian operations.

 

2

Excludes VNC sales volumes.

 

Production Variation (3Q21 x 2Q21) kt

 

 

Canadian operations

 

Finished production from Sudbury and Thompson ore sources declined 73.3% and 57.1% vs, 2Q21, respectively. The production decrease was a direct result of the labour disruption at Sudbury. Both Sudbury and Thompson source concentrate are further processed at Sudbury’s Copper Cliff Smelter.

 

Finished production from Voisey’s Bay ore source in 3Q21 was marginally lower than 2Q21, due to weather conditions caused by the Hurricane Larry at Long Harbour.

 

Indonesian operation (PTVI)

 

Finished production from PTVI source reached 15.1 kt in 3Q21, 4.1% higher than 2Q21 and 5.9% lower than 3Q20.

 

Clydach Nickel Refinery had a strong performance following unscheduled maintenance to one of the kilns during 2Q21. This was partially offset by a failure of the briquetting machine at the Matsusaka Refinery, which impacted finished Tonimet Briquette production in 3Q21.

 

 

Nickel-in-matte production at PTVI site reached 18.1 kt in 3Q21, increasing 21% compared to 2Q21, mainly due to a strong performance throughout the quarter with no major maintenance interruptions.

 

Brazilian operation (Onça Puma)

 

Production at Onça Puma reached 2.2 kt in 3Q21, 57.7% lower than 2Q21, mainly due to an extended maintenance during the quarter, as previously scheduled. The maintenance was successfully completed by quarter end.

 

Feed from third-parties 

 

Finished nickel produced from third-party feed reached 0.6 kt in 3Q21, 53.8% lower than 2Q21, mainly due to the labour disruption at Sudbury, which impacted the ability to process the material. The purchase of third-party feed is a normal process to sustain a regular finished nickel production flow.

 

Sales

 

Nickel sales volumes were 41.8 kt in 3Q21, 11.8% lower than 2Q21, mainly as a result of the labour disruption at Sudbury, partially offset by inventory sales and third party sales.

 

 

Copper

 

Finished production by source

 

																	% change
000’ metric tons			3Q21			2Q21			3Q20			9M21			9M20			3Q21/2Q21				3Q21/3Q20				9M21/9M20
BRAZIL			63.4			55.2			67.6			168.7			193.0			14.9	%			-6.2	%			-12.6	%
Salobo			38.0			38.7			45.4			110.8			128.9			-1.8	%			-16.3	%			-14.0	%
Sossego			25.4			16.6			22.2			57.9			64.1			53.0	%			14.4	%			-9.7	%
CANADA			5.8			18.2			20.0			50.7			73.6			-68.1	%			-71.0	%			-31.1	%
Sudbury			1.0			13.0			13.1			33.4			58.1			-92.3	%			-92.4	%			-42.5	%
Thompson			-			0.1			0.2			0.3			0.7			-100.0	%			-100.0	%			-57.1	%
Voisey's Bay			4.6			4.5			5.7			15.2			11.5			2.2	%			-19.3	%			32.2	%
Feed from third-parties			0.3			0.6			1.0			2.0			3.3			-50.0	%			-70.0	%			-39.4	%
COPPER PRODUCTION			69.2			73.5			87.6			219.3			266.6			-5.7	%			-21.0	%			-17.7	%
COPPER SALES			65.4			74.2			80.6			210.8			253.3			-11.9	%			-18.9	%			-16.8	%
Copper Sales Brazil			62.3			55.8			62.3			163.5			180.5			11.6	%			0.0	%			-9.4	%
Copper Sales Canada			3.1			18.4			18.3			47.3			72.7			-83.2	%			-83.1	%			-34.9	%

 

Production Variation (3Q21 x 2Q21) kt

 

 

Production and sales overview

 

In 3Q21, copper production at Salobo totalled 38.0 kt, 1.8% lower than 2Q21 and 16.3 % lower than 3Q20. Total mine movement continued to increase vs. 2Q21, achieving 11.4 Mt in September, the highest result year to date. Production decrease was a result of corrective maintenance and low crusher availability during the quarter, which limited the ability to reach full production capacity at the site.

 

Copper production at Sossego totalled 25.4 kt, 53.0% higher than 2Q21 and 14.4% higher than 3Q20. Production volumes improved compared to 2Q21 and 3Q20 as a result of increased plant availability, after scheduled maintenance was completed in 2Q21, allowing for good performance in the quarter.

 

In 3Q21, copper production in Canada reached 5.8 kt, 68.1% lower than 2Q21 and 71.0% lower than 3Q20, as volumes were directly impacted by Sudbury labour disruption.

 

 

Sales volumes⁴ of copper were 65.4 kt in 3Q21, 11.9% lower than 2Q21, mainly due to the labour disruption at Sudbury. This was partially offset by higher sales from Brazilian operations as a result of production increase.

 

 

⁴ Sales volumes are lower compared to production volumes due to payable copper vs. contained copper: part of the copper contained in the concentrates is lost in the smelting and refining process, hence payable quantities of copper are approximately 3.5% lower than contained volumes.

 

 

 

Base Metals by-products

 

Finished production by source

 

																						% change
000’ metric tons			3Q21				2Q21				3Q20				9M21				9M20				3Q21/2Q21				3Q21/3Q20				9M21/9M20
COBALT			452				754				622				1,919				1,849				-40.1	%			-27.3	%			3.8	%
PLATINUM (000’ oz troy)			2				30				26				62				109				-93.3	%			-92.3	%			-43.1	%
PALLADIUM (000’ oz troy)			4				36				37				79				147				-88.9	%			-89.2	%			-46.3	%
GOLD (000’ oz troy)¹			93				96				116				275				349				-3.1	%			-19.8	%			-21.2	%
TOTAL BY-PRODUCTS (000’ metric tons Cu eq.)² ³			23				42				43				108				202				-45.2	%			-46.5	%			-46.5	%

 

¹ Includes gold from Copper and Nickel operations .

 

² Includes iridium, rhodium, ruthenium and silver.

 

³ Copper equivalent tonnes calculated using average market metal prices for each quarter. Market reference prices: for copper, cobalt, gold and silver: LME    spot; for Platinum and Palladium: NYMEX spot; for other PGMs: Johnson Matthey.

 

Production overview

 

Finished production of Base Metals by-products was largely impacted by the labour disruption at Sudbury. Both Sudbury and Thompson source concentrate are further processed at Sudbury’s Copper Cliff Smelter, impacting the production of cobalt and PGMs.

 

 

 

Coal

 

																						% change
000’ metric tons			3Q21				2Q21				3Q20				9M21				9M20				3Q21/2Q21				3Q21/3Q20				9M21/9M20
COAL PRODUCTION			2,497				2,091				1,402				5,678				4,648				19.4	%			78.1	%			22.2	%
Metallurgical coal			1,069				980				756				2,607				2,436				9.1	%			41.4	%			7.0	%
Thermal coal			1,428				1,111				646				3,071				2,211				28.5	%			121.0	%			38.9	%
COAL SALES			2,640				1,544				1,381				5,199				4,332				71.0	%			91.2	%			20.0	%
Metallurgical coal			1,150				713				809				2,336				2,030				61.3	%			42.1	%			15.1	%
Thermal coal			1,490				831				572				2,863				2,302				79.3	%			160.5	%			24.4	%

 

Production Variation (3Q21 x 2Q21)

Mt

 

 

Production and sales overview

 

Coal production was 19.4% higher than in 2Q21 and 78.1% higher than in 3Q20 as a result of the improved productivity of the revamped plant.

 

The production is ramping-up and is expected to be concluded by the next quarter. However, due to the upcoming rainy season, the annual production rate of 15 Mtpy may not be reached until the end of the year, although an improvement is expected for 4Q21.

 

Coal sales grew strongly both on a quarter-on-quarter and year-over-year basis following the improved operational performance and stronger demand of the seaborne market.

 

 

 

Signatures

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Vale S.A. (Registrant)

 

By:

/s/ Ivan Fadel

Date: October 19, 2021

Head of Investor Relations