Sales of iron ore fines and pellets increased 6.0% q/q to 77.6 Mt. The usual production-to-sales gap in Q3 resulted from transiting inventories across the supply chain, which Vale expects to revert in the next quarter, depending on market conditions.

Nickel production increased 51% q/q to 51.8 kt, as refineries came back from a maintenance period in 2Q22 and the conclusion of the furnace 4 rebuild at PTVI. Nickel sales increased 13% q/q, but lagged production due to sales commitments in 4Q22 during scheduled maintenance, low availability of containerships impacting Onça Puma and shipping congestion in the UK in 3Q22.

Copper production increased 33% q/q to 74.3 kt, following extended maintenance at Sossego mill in the first half of the year, better plant performance at Salobo in the quarter and the recovery of copper from copper precipitate holding facilities in North Atlantic operations. Copper sales were up 37% q/q, in line with higher production.

Click here for full release