Vale SA is a Brazilian multinational diversified metals and mining corporation and one of the largest logistics operators in Brazil. In addition to being the third-largest mining company in the world, Vale is also the largest producer of iron ore, pellets, and second largest of nickel. Vale also produces manganese, ferroalloys, copper, bauxite, potash, kaolin, alumina and aluminium. In the electric energy sector, the company participates in consortia and currently operates nine hydroelectric plants.