21. Loans, borrowings, cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments

a) Net debt

The Company monitors the net debt with the objective of ensuring the continuity of its business in the long term.

(i) Substantially comprises investments in senior notes and exclusive investment fund, which portfolio is made by committed transactions and certificate of deposits (“CDB”).

b) Cash and cash equivalents

c) Loans and borrowings

(i) In order to determine the average interest rate for debt contracts with floating rates, the Company used the rate applicable as of June 30, 2025.

(ii) The Company entered into derivatives to mitigate the exposure to cash flow variations of all floating rate debt contracted in Brazil, resulting in an average cost of 3.21% per year in US$.

The reconciliation of loans and financing with cash flows arising from financing activities is presented in note 9(C).

ii) Future flows of principal and interest of loans and borrowings payments

(i) Based on interest rate curves and foreign exchange rates applicable as of June 30, 2025 and considering that the payments of principal will be made on their contracted payments dates. The amount includes the estimated interest not yet accrued and the interest already recognized in the annual financial statements.

Covenants

The Company's main financial covenants require it to maintain certain ratios, such as the leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio. Vale is also subject to non-financial covenants normally practiced in the market, such as compliance with certain governance and environmental standards, among others.

The Company is required to comply with these covenants at the end of each annual reporting period and there are no indications that Vale would have difficulties complying with them on the next measurement date, which will be as of December 31, 2025.