Vale's Production Report for the first quarter of 2019 (1Q19) was announced on Wednesday, May 08. The document provides an overview of the company's operations during the period.
Iron ore fines production totaled 72.9 Mt in 1Q19, 28% and 11% lower than 4Q18 and 1Q18, respectively, mainly as a result of the impacts following the Brumadinho dam rupture and the stronger than usual weather-related seasonality. Vale pellet production1 totaled 12.2 Mt in 1Q19, 23% and 5% lower than 4Q18 and 1Q18, respectively, mainly due to stoppages of pellet plants, following the Brumadinho dam rupture, as well as scheduled maintenances carried out in Tubarão and Oman.
Iron ore fines and pellet sales volume was 67.7 Mt in 1Q19, 30% and 20% lower than in 4Q18 and 1Q18, respectively. The share of premium products
in total sales was 81% in 1Q19, remaining practically in line with 4Q18.