Copper and nickel were highlights in the period, according to financial balance; Iron ore sales fall by strategy and logistics
Vale registered an increase in the production of its main products in the 2nd quarter of 2025, highlighting iron, copper and nickel ore. The mining company produced 83.6 million tons of iron ore, up 3.7% over the same period of 2024 and 23.6% compared to the previous quarter. This is the quarterly report (PDF – 704 KB).
Despite the increase in production, iron ore sales retreated 13% over last year and 3.1% compared to the first quarter, totaling 77.3 million tons.
The drop in sales reflects the “portfolio optimization strategy to prioritize the supply of medium content products” as well as “the recomposition of stocks after production and boarding restrictions in the first quarter”. The highest concentration of deliveries to China also contributed to longer shipping deadlines, impacting the volume sold in the period.
Copper and nickel
Among the metals used in the energy transition, the results were also positive. Copper production grew 18%, reaching 92.6 thousand tons, higher volume for a 2nd quarter since 2019. Nickel rose 44%to 40.3 thousand tons, driven by assets in Canada and Brazil. The Long Harbor refinery in Canada broke record with 11,000 tons in the quarter.
The performance was favored by productivity gains, lower plant maintenance and the partial operation of the VBME project. The company also advanced in the Bacaba project in Pará, which received prior license in June and is expected to start operations in 2028.
