2013-03-16 12:11:45 - Recently published research from MarketLine, "Vale SA: Experiments in diversification", is now available at Fast Market Research

Vale has grown from a state-owned enterprise to become one of the largest mining companies. The company holds premier position in iron ore production and a secondary position in the nickel market. Vale reinvented their business to focus exclusively on consolidating the Brazilian iron ore markets. Diversifying into other mining products has been a key objective.

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Highlights

Diversifying into other mining products has been a key objective, with assets from the state-owned era such as a highly integrated logistics system and power

generation made subordinate to mining. Further acquisitions were made to expand the international footprint and investments are being made to increase economies of scale in freight delivery.
Vale has faced a myriad of problems. The company's focus on iron ore has led to them being highly vulnerable to cyclical shocks of the steel industry. Diversification efforts have not been fully successful, and acquisitions have run into trouble, particularly in the nickel segment.


Full Report Details at
- www.fastmr.com/prod/546472_vale_sa_experiments_in_diversificatio ..


Your key questions answered

* How has Vale grown to become one of the largest mining companies globally?
* What challenges does the company face, and how are they adapting to them?

Report Table of Contents:

OVERVIEW
Catalyst
Summary
VALE'S RISE TO THE TOP
Vale focused on mining
Strong foundations prior to privatization
The company's new priority was iron ore
Vale consolidated the Brazilian iron ore market
Vale diversified mining assets beyond iron ore
Inco acquisition made Vale the second largest mining company
Energy and logistics used in vertical integration
Vale's energy operations
Vale exports heavily
Chinese demand
Vale competing with Australian iron ore
VALE'S DIFFICULTIES
Reliance on the steel industry
Vale Inco's troubles
Limited diversification elsewhere
Vale's two biggest export markets are causing friction
Vale is experiencing problems in China
The Brazilian government
Retention of steel interests
New mining code recommendations could cause problems
Tax issues
"The Worst Company in the World"
VALE'S RESPONSE
Refocus on iron ore
Norsk Hydro deal
Selling low return assets or seeking partners
Retrenchment
Insulation against energy costs
Sustainability
External factors helping Vale
CONCLUSIONS
Retreating to iron ore marks a postponement in diversification
APPENDIX
Sources
Further Reading
Ask the analyst
About MarketLine
Disclaimer

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