Vale’s Q2 nickel production rises 4.2% to six-year high on strong Brazil operations

• Q2 nickel production rises 4.2% y-o-y to 42,000 t
• Nickel sales increase 7.2% to 44,400 t

Brazilian mining major Vale reported a 4.2% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in nickel production during the second quarter (Q2) of 2026, reaching 42,000 t, marking its highest second-quarter output since 2020. Improved production at its Brazilian and Canadian operations more than offset the impact of scheduled maintenance at its Sudbury facility.

According to Vale’s Q2 2026 production and sales report, higher output from the Onca Puma operation in Brazil and the Long Harbour refinery in Canada supported overall nickel production during the quarter. These gains compensated for lower production resulting from the biennial maintenance shutdown at the company’s Sudbury downstream facility.

Region-wise, Canada’s nickel production declined 8.9% y-o-y to 19,300 t due to the planned maintenance programme. In contrast, Brazil’s nickel production surged 95.8% y-o-y to 9,400 t, supported by the stable operation of Onca Puma’s No. 2 electric furnace, which enabled the site to record its highest-ever second-quarter production.

Production at Voisey’s Bay in Canada also increased 20.9% y-o-y to 10,400 t, driven by higher underground ore output. The additional feedstock contributed to record quarterly production at the Long Harbour refinery.

Meanwhile, Vale’s nickel sales increased 7.2% y-o-y to 44,400 t during Q2. Sales exceeded production by around 2,400 t as the company shipped inventories to fulfil contractual commitments during the Sudbury maintenance period.

During the first half (H1) of 2026, Vale produced 91,300 t of nickel, up 8.4% y-o-y, keeping the company on track to achieve its full-year nickel production guidance of 175,000-200,000 t.

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