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A Legacy of Progress and Innovation 

Fifty years ago, Vale was sending its first shipload of iron ore exported from Brazil to China, giving birth to a collaboration that would become fundamental for the economic and technological development of both countries. This relationship started in 1973, with a small commercial agreement, which has grown constantly along decades, establishing itself as a solid and long-lasting partnership.

Along this five-decades journey, which has started even before the formal establishment of diplomatic relationships between Brazil and China, the relationship between both countries has evolved significantly, passing through different stages of cooperation and opening new horizons.

The growth of the bilateral commerce, the sharing of technological knowledge and the search for sustainable solutions were the pillars that have strengthened this union.​
Since then, our commercial relationship with China has reached impressive numbers, consolidating itself as one of the most relevant partnerships in the international scenario. Check some highlights:
 China has been our largest market since 2006
Investment of Z billions of dollars in joint projects of infrastructure and technology
In 2022, China was responsible for 62.9% of the total volume of the sales of iron ore and pellets of our company
Until 2022, we have supplied China with more than 2.9 billion tons of iron ore products.
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A legacy of progress and innovation 

Fifty years ago, Vale was sending its first shipload of iron ore exported from Brazil to China, giving birth to a collaboration that would become fundamental for the economic and technological development of both countries. This relationship started in 1973, with a small commercial agreement, which has grown constantly along decades, establishing itself as a solid and long-lasting partnership.

The five-decade partnership began even before the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Brazil and China. This relationship has evolved significantly, passing through different stages of cooperation and opening new horizons.

The growth of the bilateral commerce, the sharing of technological knowledge and the search for sustainable solutions were the pillars that have strengthened this union.​
Imagem placeholder Imagem placeholder Foto:
Onda
Since then, our commercial relationship with China has reached impressive numbers, consolidating itself as one of the most relevant partnerships in the international scenario. Check some highlights:
China has been our largest market since 2006.
In 2022, China was responsible for 62.9% of the total volume of the sales of iron ore and pellets of our company.
Until 2022, we have supplied China with more than 2.9 billion tons of iron ore products.

Partnerships: framework agreements signed in the Brazil-China Company Seminar

The Brazil-China Business Seminar, held regularly over the years, has become a milestone for the signing of important trade agreements and partnerships. In the last edition of the event, in March 2023, new commitments were signed that aim to boost key sectors of both economies. Here are some highlights:
A capital expenditure framework agreement for the Morowali Project, in Indonesia;
Two framework agreements to support the de-carbonization agenda of the company in partnership with a Chinese client and a Chinese supplier, respectively;
Two Understanding Memoranda for an encompassing strategic cooperation signed with leading Chinese banks;
Two framework agreements to strengthen the cooperation with Chinese universities.

Beyond iron ore:
we have built together a more sustainable industry

At the same time we continue to supply high quality iron ore products to China, we are also developing several solutions for out clients of the iron and steelmaking sector, to support their de-carbonization and green transformation
The iron ore briquettes that we have developed almost 20 years ago, for example, can be used both in the blast furnace and in the direct reduction furnace, which has the potential to reduce the carbon emissions in the steelmaking production in up to 10%, thus helping China in its double carbon goals.​
On the other hand, products made in China have also helped us in the achievement of our atmospheric emissions goals. In April 2022, we received our second 100% electric locomotive in Brazil.
Its lithium batteries supply enough power for up to 10 hours without recharging. The electric locomotive is manufactured in China by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. (CRRC ZELC).
In August 2022, we started the pilot tests of two 100% electric, battery-powered, 72-ton off-highway trucks.
These vehicles don’t emit CO² during the operation, because they replace diesel for electricity and also reduce noise, minimizing the impact on the neighboring communities. The trucks are manufactured by XCMG, the largest manufacturer of construction machines in China.
In November 2022, we announced the start of operation of the solar project of Sol do Cerrado in the city of Jaíba, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is one of the largest solar power parks of Latin America, with an installed capacity of 766 megawatts-peak, equivalent to the power consumed by a city with 800.000 inhabitants. 
The photovoltaic modules and the spare parts of the project are supplied by the Chinese company JinkoSolar.
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Foto de placeholder
At the same time we continue to supply high quality iron ore products to China, we are also developing several solutions for out clients of the iron and steelmaking sector, to support their de-carbonization and green transformation
The iron ore briquettes that we have developed almost 20 years ago, for example, can be used both in the blast furnace and in the direct reduction furnace, which has the potential to reduce the carbon emissions in the steelmaking production in up to 10%, thus helping China in its double carbon goals.​
Foto de placeholder
On the other hand, products made in China have also helped us in the achievement of our atmospheric emissions goals. In April 2022, we received our second 100% electric locomotive in Brazil.
The lithium batteries supply enough power for up to 10 hours without recharging. The electric locomotive is manufactured in China by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd. (CRRC ZELC).
Foto de placeholder
In August 2022, we started the pilot tests of two 100% electric, battery-powered, 72-ton off-highway trucks.
These vehicles don’t emit CO² during the operation, because they replace diesel for electricity and also reduce noise, minimizing the impact on the neighboring communities. The trucks are manufactured by XCMG, the largest manufacturer of construction machines in China.
Foto de placeholder
In November 2022, we announced the start of operation of the solar project of Sol do Cerrado in the city of Jaíba, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This is one of the largest solar power parks of Latin America, with an installed capacity of 766 megawatts-peak, equivalent to the power consumed by a city with 800.000 inhabitants. 
The photovoltaic modules and the spare parts of the project are supplied by the Chinese company JinkoSolar.
Scroll to see more

Vale and China over the decades:

A relationship that goes beyond commercial business 

We have actively contributed for the development of the bilateral and multilateral relationships between Brazil and China. We are a founding member of the Brazil-China Business Council (CEBC) and one of the five Brazilian companies that participate in the BRICS Business Council. 

Since 2019, we have co-organized four “Strategic Dialogues for the China-Brazil Economic Development " in partnership with the Academic Center for the Chinese Economic Practice and Thinking (ACCEPT) of the University of Tsinghua, the CEBC and the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI).

We also either supported or participated actively in important bilateral and multilateral events between Brazil and China, as the China-Brazil Dialogue on Sustainable Development, the Brazil-China Company Seminar, the China-LAC Company Summit and the BRICS exhibition of the New Industrial Revolution.

A relationship that goes beyond commercial business 

We have actively contributed for the development of the bilateral and multilateral relationships between Brazil and China. We are a founding member of the Brazil-China Business Council (CEBC) and one of the five Brazilian companies that participate in the BRICS Business Council. 

Since 2019, we have co-organized four “Strategic Dialogues for the China-Brazil Economic Development " in partnership with the Academic Center for the Chinese Economic Practice and Thinking (ACCEPT) of the University of Tsinghua, the CEBC and the Brazilian Center for International Relations (CEBRI).

We also either supported or participated actively in important bilateral and multilateral events between Brazil and China, as the China-Brazil Dialogue on Sustainable Development, the Brazil-China Company Seminar, the China-LAC Company Summit and the BRICS exhibition of the New Industrial Revolution.
Imagem placeholder Imagem placeholder Foto:
Onda

The partnership between Vale and China is a source of pride for Brazil.

Bringing the two countries together shows that cooperation and dialogue are essential to overcome challenges and achieve a more prosperous and sustainable future.

We are committed to extending this relationship and shortening the distance between us, so that together we can transform the future. Over the next 50 years, new businesses will continue to deliver development that is increasingly green and carbon neutral.

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