#Brazil #Vale Base Metals #Pará #Onça Puma #Nickel Processing

Vale Base Metals Announces Start of Furnace 2 at Onça Puma

On October 1, 2025, Vale Base Metals (VBM) proudly announced the launch of its second nickel processing furnace, dubbed Furnace 2, at the Onça Puma Mining Complex located in southeastern Pará, Brazil. This significant milestone not only boosts VBM's production capacity but also solidifies its status as the largest Ferronickel operation in Brazil.

The introduction of Furnace 2 enhances the nickel production capacity by an impressive 15 kilotons, raising the facility's nominal production levels to 40 ktpa (kilotons per annum). Notably, this project was executed on schedule and came in nearly 13% under budget, demonstrating VBM's commitment to efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Throughout the three-year project timeline, the company proudly reported zero workplace accidents resulting in downtime, underscoring VBM's focus on safety and sustainable growth.

Shaun Usmar, the CEO of VBM, expressed his gratitude towards Kilma Cunha and the dedicated Onça Puma team for their exceptional performance in completing this project. He stated that this investment and its successful execution reflect VBM's steadfast commitment to Pará and Brazil. Furthermore, it ensures that VBM's world-class operations remain competitive globally while supporting extensive future investments in copper growth within Brazil over the next decade.

The construction of Furnace 2 has generated approximately 2,500 jobs, significantly contributing to the local economy and labor market. With over 1,800 personnel, including employees and contractors, the Onça Puma Mining Complex serves as a vital hub for job creation and income generation in Pará, making noteworthy contributions to the socio-economic development of the region.

Looking ahead, VBM is well on track to meet its nickel forecast for 2025, projecting between 160,000 to 175,000 tons of production. The activation of Furnace 2, coupled with the ramp-up of underground operations at Voisey's Bay in Canada, aims to elevate nickel production between 210,000 to 250,000 tons by 2030.

About Onça Puma

The Onça Puma facility commenced operations in 2011, establishing Brazil as a crucial exporter of nickel, particularly within the stainless steel industry. The complex is committed to supporting socio-economic development in the communities where it operates through local employment, tax contributions, direct investments, and local procurement strategies.

About Vale Base Metals

Vale Base Metals stands as one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality nickel, and it is also a key producer of responsibly sourced copper and cobalt. Vale Base Metals Limited, headquartered in London, UK, operates its global business center from Toronto, Canada, and is actively engaged in regions including Newfoundland and Labrador, Ontario, Manitoba, Indonesia, Brazil, and Japan. Vale Base Metals is primarily owned (90%) by Vale S.A. and 10% by Manara Minerals Investment Company. This strategic positioning augments VBM's capacity to meet the growing global demand for nickel and other essential minerals while adhering to sustainability practices and local development commitments.

In summary, the launch of Furnace 2 at Onça Puma marks a significant advancement for Vale Base Metals, reinforcing its commitment to growth, sustainability, and community development in Brazil.