Production overview

Production of nickel reached 288,200 t in 2017, being 7.3% lower than in 2016 as a result of the closure of one of the furnaces in Thompson, in line with Vale’s commitment to a smaller nickel footprint, and the transition to a single furnace in Sudbury, which will optimize the North Atlantic flowsheet and improve overall competitiveness. Annual production in 2017 was in line with the 287,000 t previously forecasted during the Vale Day presentation. Annual production from VNC sourced material reached 40,300 t in 2017, 6,000 t higher than 2016 and also in line with the guidance of 40,000 t that had been previously provided. Onça Puma reached an annual production of 24,700 t in 2017, 600 t higher than in 2016. Sales volumes of nickel were 294,600 t in 2017, 5.3% lower than in 2016 mainly as a result of lower production. Sales volumes were higher compared to production volumes in 2017 mainly due to 4,000 t of purchased nickel sales and 2,000 t of finished inventory draw down.

Canadian operations

Production from the Sudbury mines reached 17,700 t in 4Q17, 4.3% lower than in 3Q17 and 11.1% lower than in 4Q16. The decrease compared to 3Q17 was due to the full transition to a single furnace operation in 4Q17 whereas Sudbury operated with two furnaces during part of 3Q17. Production decreased in relation to 4Q16 due to the transition to a single furnace operation as well as the cessation of mining activities at Stobie mine since 2Q17, following Vale’s strategy to optimize margins and reduce the nickel footprint. The ramp-up of the single furnace operation was completed ahead of schedule and the furnace has been running above expected levels.

Production from the Thompson mines reached 7,000 t in 4Q17, 4.5% higher than in 3Q17 and 2.8% lower than 4Q16. The increase when compared to 3Q17 was due to a scheduled maintenance shutdown at its surface plants in 3Q17. The decrease when compared to 4Q16 was due to lower production as the Birchtree mine was placed under care and maintenance at the end of September, as well as the closure of one of the furnaces since January 2017 whereas Thompson operated with two furnaces in 4Q16. Thompson will fully transition to a mine-mill operation in 3Q18, when the remaining furnace and refinery will be shut down.

Production from the Voisey’s Bay source reached 13,200 t in 4Q17, 26.9% higher than in 3Q17 and 19.0% lower than in 4Q16. The increase compared to 3Q17 was mainly due to the drawdown of Voisey’s Bay feed in Thompson as it returned to full production after the scheduled maintenance shutdown in 3Q17. Production decreased in relation to 4Q16 as both Thompson and Sudbury operated with two furnaces during 2016 and consumed higher volumes of Voisey’s Bay feed.

Production at the Long Harbour processing plant reached 8,400 t in 4Q17, in line with 3Q17 and 61.5% higher than in 4Q16. Production continues to ramp up with November 2017 output reaching 85% of nameplate capacity. The nickel concentrate being produced at Voisey’s Bay is now processed solely at Long Harbour.

Indonesian operation (PTVI)

Production of finished nickel from PTVI reached 19,000 t in 4Q17, 4.4% higher than in 3Q17 and 12.8% lower than in 4Q16. The decrease compared to 4Q16 was mainly due to differences in the required time for processing matte into finished nickel as increasing volumes of PTVI source feed were shipped to our Clydach refinery

PTVI nickel in matte production reached 19,300 t in 4Q17, 4.5% lower than in 3Q17 and in line with 4Q16.

New Caledonia operation (VNC)

Production of finished products from VNC reached 10,900 t in 4Q17, 7.9% and 22.5% higher than in 3Q17 and 4Q16, respectively.

Production of NiO and NHC at VNC reached 10,600 t in 4Q17 and an annual production of 37,300 t in 2017. Site production was 12.8% higher than 3Q17 and 14.0% higher than 4Q16. NiO represented 80% and NHC 20% of VNC’s 4Q17 site production. VNC continues to ramp up its production.

Brazilian operation (Onça Puma)

Production reached 6,000 t in 4Q17, 15.5% lower than in 3Q17 and 7.1% higher than in 4Q16. The decrease when compared to 3Q17 was due to lower ore grades while the increase when compared to 4Q16 was a result of stronger plant performance in 4Q17.

• [Editor:王可]