Vale has been pursuing to discuss the assessments of the Brazilian federal tax authority on corporate income tax and social security contributions on profits of its non-Brazilian subsidiaries and affiliates. Therefore, Vale will continue to take appropriate legal action to challenge the tax assessments, employing all available means to ensure its rights to defend itself. It is confident on obtaining a final favorable ruling on the merits.

Given the release of several news on this issue, Vale clarifies that:

· The company is engaged in legal proceedings to discuss the payment of corporate income tax and social security contribution determined by the Brazilian federal tax authority (SRF). SRF’s position is based on Article 74 of Brazilian Provisional Measure 2,158-34/2001 (Article 74), which enables to charge taxes on profits of non-Brazilian subsidiaries and affiliates of Brazilian companies.

· Vale defends itself in the administrative sphere in four tax assessments issued by SRF in recent years, including interest and penalties through December 31, 2011: (i) years 1996 — 2002, for taxes of R$ 992 million, plus interest and penalties of R$ 2.101 billion; (ii) years 2003 — 2006, for taxes of R$ 4.076 billion, plus interest and penalties of R$ 6.778 billion; (iii) year 2007, for taxes of R$ 5.742 billion, plus interest and penalties of R$ 7.497 billion; and (iv) year 2008, for taxes of R$ 1.604 billion, plus interest and penalties of R$ 1.897 billion. The periods from 2009 onwards are subject of new tax assessments by SRF.

· In 2003, we initiated a legal proceeding challenging the applicability of Article 74. Given the unfavorable ruling of the Brazilian Regional Federal Justice of the 2nd Region (TRF2), as previously disclosed on November 30, 2011, the company appealed to the Superior Court of Justice (STJ) and to the Supreme Court of Justice (STF). We look forward to a legal decision related to the suspension on the charges until a final ruling is made. 

· The STJ has previously ruled in favor of the taxpayers with respect to the taxation on the profits of non-Brazilian subsidiaries and affiliates based on equity income.

· The company did not have final rulings that lead to immediate payment or financial disbursement.

· In order to discuss any tax liability in the Brazilian courts, the taxpayer must post bond or some form of security with the court. This does not represent a judicial loss or defeat. It is the initial step for the discussion of tax assessments at the courts.

· The requirement to post a bond or some form of security with the court, and, depending on the nature, amount and scope of such bond, may have a significant financial impact.· Vale has evaluated as not probable the loss of the legal proceedings relating to this matter, and accordingly has not established any provision.

Regarding the tax assessment concerning the years of 1996 to 2002, we informed on March 5, 2012 that the company received a demand for payment of R$ 1.6 billion. The company will take appropriate legal action to challenge the tax assessment in the judicial system.

Regarding the tax assessment related to 2003 – 2006 and 2007, we inform that a ruling by the Brazilian Regional Federal Justice of the 1st Region, disclosed today, suspended the effects of the favorable ruling obtained by Vale as publicly disclosed on January 30, 2012. The value of taxes is R$ 9.8 billion plus interest and fines. Vale will file the necessary appeals to protect its interests. 

Administrative and legal proceedings have their own dynamics, with the possibility of unfavorable rulings. If there is a ruling or fact that materially impacts Vale’s performance, we will immediately make a public disclosure.