SHANGHAI, Apr. 21 (SMM) - Vale S.A. (Vale) reached a record for a first quarter of 86.20 million tonnes of iron ore production (including iron ore acquired from third parties) in the first quarter of 2017, according to an e-mail to SMM.

The iron ore output, 11.2 percent higher than in Q1 2016, is due mainly to the ramp-up of the S11D and Itabiritos projects in the Southeastern System.

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Nickel production reached 71,400 tonnes in Q1 2017, 14.0 percent and 2.9 percent lower than in Q4 2016 and Q1 2016, respectively, mainly because of planned maintenance shutdowns at our operations in Indonesia and Japan, and operational challenges at our Thompson operations.

Copper production was 109,000 tonnes in Q1 2017, 11.0 percent and 2.6 percent lower than in Q4 2016 and Q1 2016, respectively, for lower production from Sudbury. Production of copper in concentrate at Salobo in Q1 2017 totaled a record 42,600 tonnes for a first quarter, 3.6 percent higher on a yearly basis.

Production Summary

¹ Including third party purchases.

² Including Lubambe's attributable production.

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