Vale has increased its iron ore production
Brazilian mining company Vale increased iron ore production by 2.6% YoY to 336 million tons last year. This is reported in the relevant report of the company.
As noted, this is the highest annual volume since 2018. Production exceeded the forecast figures for last year (325-335 million tons).
Pellet production decreased by 15% YoY to 31.35 million tons last year.
In the fourth quarter, ore production amounted to 90.4 million tons, which is 6% more than in the same period of 2024 due to the stable operation of the Brucutu mine and the increased volumes of the Capanema and VGR1 projects. Pellet production in October-December amounted to 8.3 million tons (-9% YoY), reflecting market conditions.
Vale reported that iron ore sales in the fourth quarter increased by 5% YoY to 84.9 million tonnes, in line with the increase in production volumes. In total, in 2025 they amounted to 314.35 million tons, which is 2.5% more than a year earlier.
According to the company's forecasts, in 2026 the production volume will be about 335-345 million tons of iron ore and 30-34 million tons of pellets. The Capanema project is expected to reach full capacity by the second quarter of 2026.