• Vale’s Q4 performance was marked by strong iron ore fines and nickel sales, up 24% and 30% q/q respectively, converting into sales the inventories formed in the previous quarter.

• Iron ore production totaled 308 Mt in 2022, 2% lower y/y, mainly due to (i) licensing delays at Serra Norte; and (ii) jaspilite waste processing and operational performance at S11D. This was partially offset by (i) continued production ramp-up at Vargem Grande; (ii) higher dry processing production at Brucutu; and (iii) higher third-party purchase.

• Pellets production totaled 32 Mt in 2022, up 1% y/y, with an improved mix of direct reduction pellets (49% of total production vs. 41% in 2021), leveraging on the higher-quality feed and taking advantage of better market premiums.

• Nickel production grew 6% in 2022 to 179 kt, largely due to the stabilization of Sudbury operations after the labor strike in 2021, as well as consistent and strong performance at Onça Puma. This was partially offset by lower feed availability owing to PTVI furnace rebuild and the later ramp-up of VBME.

• Copper production decreased 15%, totaling 253 kt in 2022, due to extended maintenance at Sossego mill during the first half of the year, and additional maintenance required at both Sossego and Salobo. This was partially offset by higher production in Canada owing to the stabilization of Sudbury mines and the recovery of copper from copper precipitates in Thompson, reducing waste as part of our approach to circular mining.