Rio de Janeiro, July 30, 2026 – Vale announced that it has begun trial operation of the long-distance conveyor belt at its 20 million-ton-per-year capacity expansion project at Serra Sul, marking the project’s commencement of operation. The 20 million tonnes of iron ore capacity expansion project at the South Ridge, together with the compact ore crushing system project scheduled to commence operation in the fourth quarter of 2026, is expected to add 20 million tonnes of iron ore capacity to the S11D mine (located in Canaan dos Caracas, Pará, Brazil) and enhance its operational flexibility. “The South Ridge 20 million tonnes of iron ore capacity expansion project is a strategic project that will further solidify the position of our most competitive iron ore operating area, S11D. The project will also enhance the operational flexibility of our iron ore business and strengthen our ability to supply high-grade products to the market. This project is part of the ‘New Caracas Plan,’ which aims to maintain iron ore production capacity and expand the supply of high-quality iron ore and key mineral products, thereby strengthening Brazil’s role in the global energy transition and creating long-term value for society and stakeholders,” emphasized Mr. Gustavo Pimenta, CEO of Vale. The South Ridge 20 million-ton-per-year capacity expansion project will increase the capacity of the S11D mine and plant through a series of measures, including replicating the existing long-distance conveyor belt, developing new mining areas, installing a new semi-mobile crushing system, and constructing a new beneficiation line at the beneficiation plant. The project received its operating permits for mining operations in September 2025. The Capanema project, the Great Varján 1 plant (VGR1) project, and the South Ridge 20 million-ton-per-year capacity expansion project are all important milestones in Vale's production increase plan. The company plans to continuously increase iron ore production to approximately 360 million tons by 2030, while enhancing the flexibility of its iron ore product portfolio.