CVRD

CVRD, or Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, is a Brazilian multinational mining company that has been one of the world's largest producers of iron ore and pellets. It also engages in logistics, steelmaking-related activities, and the production of other minerals and energy products. The company is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and operates worldwide through a network of mines, ports, railways, and processing facilities.

CVRD was established in 1942 as a state-owned enterprise aimed at developing Brazil's mineral resources and promoting regional integration. The company remained largely government-owned until the 1990s, when privatization programs led to the sale of shares to private investors and international partners. During the privatization period it expanded through acquisitions and new mines, notably developing the Carajás iron ore deposit in Pará and expanding its logistics capacity.

In 2007 CVRD adopted the corporate name Vale S.A., reflecting a broader corporate strategy and international presence. Under the Vale brand, the company diversified beyond iron ore to include nickel, copper, coal, fertilizers, and other minerals, and it expanded its operations to other countries in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Iron ore and pellets remained its core products, supported by a global logistics network that includes ports, rail lines, and ships.

Vale has been a major contributor to Brazil's economy, accounting for substantial export revenue and employment. The company has also faced environmental and regulatory challenges associated with large-scale mining, including dam safety concerns and community relations, which have led to ongoing governance and safety reforms.