Total production decreased 47.3% from a year earlier.

An Australian indigenous group has suspended the company from its reconciliation plan.

China's steel association has called for an increase in domestic iron ore production as well as greater investment in exploration overseas to ensure supplies.

It is expected to be minerals-rich Guinea's largest industrial mining project to date.

Vale said it is keeping its monthly production forecast at Itabira at 2.7 million tonnes "for the next months."