Vale Base Metals Transitions Leadership as Mark Cutifani Steps Down

Leadership Changes at Vale Base Metals

On June 25, 2025, Vale Base Metals (VBM) confirmed a pivotal change in its Board of Directors, marking the end of an era with Mark Cutifani resigning from his position as Chairman to focus on new professional ventures. This transition comes as VBM aims to maintain its momentum and strategic direction in the energy transition metals industry.

Mark Cutifani was the inaugural Chairman of Vale Base Metals, taking on a crucial role during the company's formation as it carved out from parent company Vale S.A. Under his leadership, VBM not only navigated the complexities of its inception but also established itself as a key player in the global metals market. His expertise and insights shaped VBM's strategic roadmap, optimizing its operational portfolio and setting the foundation for future endeavors.

Cutifani's strategic vision was instrumental during VBM's early days and played a significant role in the company's partnership with Manara Minerals, finalized in July 2023. He noted, “I would like to acknowledge Gustavo and Vale for the trust in navigating this transformation,” further emphasizing his commitment to fostering ongoing relationships even post-resignation.

Stepping into the role of Chairman will be Gustavo Pimenta, the CEO of Vale S.A. His appointment is seen as an essential move to ensure leadership continuity, aligning VBM closely with Vale's broader strategic goals within the energy transition sector. Pimenta, already a member of VBM's Board, is expected to bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the leadership team.

Current VBM CEO Shaun Usmar expressed gratitude towards Cutifani, stating, “Mark was instrumental in my decision to join the company,” highlighting the profound influence Cutifani's mentorship had on his career and the company's trajectory. Usmar underscored Cutifani's experience across various operational aspects and his principle-driven approach, praising the significant innovations initiated during his tenure.

As VBM prepares for this leadership transition in July, the company looks forward to building upon Cutifani's legacy. The team is committed to maintaining momentum in its transformational journey, positioning itself as a leader in critical minerals production.

Vale Base Metals is a prominent entity within Vale S.A.'s portfolio, recognized for its superior nickel production and responsible sourcing of copper and cobalt. With headquarters in Toronto, Canada, VBM operates across various regions, including Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Manitoba, Indonesia, Brazil, the UK, and Japan.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for VBM, as it continues to evolve and adapt within the competitive landscape of metals production. As the company pivots towards a sustainable future, it remains focused on innovation and growth, aligning with global demands for responsible mining practices. With Pimenta at the helm, VBM aims to solidify its strategic objectives in the energy transition metals business and expand its footprint in the industry.

As the transition progresses, the entire VBM team expresses a collective sense of optimism regarding the future, ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, underpinned by strong leadership and clear strategic vision.