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          <link:definition>999060 - Disclosure - Railway concessions (Policies)</link:definition>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LoansAndBorrowingsPolicies" id="LoansAndBorrowingsPolicies">
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/OtherFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesPolicies" id="OtherFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesPolicies">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/BrumadinhoDamFailurePolicies" id="BrumadinhoDamFailurePolicies">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LiabilitiesRelatedToAssociatesAndJointVenturesPolicies" id="LiabilitiesRelatedToAssociatesAndJointVenturesPolicies">
          <link:definition>999068 - Disclosure - Liabilities related to associates and joint ventures (Policies)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LegalAndAdministrativeProceedingsPolicies" id="LegalAndAdministrativeProceedingsPolicies">
          <link:definition>999069 - Disclosure - Legal and administrative proceedings (Policies)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/EquityPolicies" id="EquityPolicies">
          <link:definition>999070 - Disclosure - Equity (Policies)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/InvestmentsInAssociatesAndJointVenturesPolicies" id="InvestmentsInAssociatesAndJointVenturesPolicies">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDivestituresPolicies" id="AcquisitionsAndDivestituresPolicies">
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          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsPolicies" id="EmployeeBenefitsPolicies">
          <link:definition>999073 - Disclosure - Employee benefits (Policies)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/BasisOfPreparationOfConsolidatedFinancialStatementsPolicies" id="BasisOfPreparationOfConsolidatedFinancialStatementsPolicies">
          <link:definition>999074 - Disclosure - Basis of preparation of consolidated financial statements (Policies)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/InformationByBusinessSegmentAndGeographicAreaTables" id="InformationByBusinessSegmentAndGeographicAreaTables">
          <link:definition>999075 - Disclosure - Information by business segment and geographic area (Tables)</link:definition>
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/CostsAndExpensesByNatureTables" id="CostsAndExpensesByNatureTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/TaxesTables" id="TaxesTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/BasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareTables" id="BasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/AccountsReceivableTables" id="AccountsReceivableTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/InventoriesTables" id="InventoriesTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/SuppliersAndOtherPayablesTables" id="SuppliersAndOtherPayablesTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/StreamingTransactionsTables" id="StreamingTransactionsTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/CashFlowsFromOperatingActivitiesTables" id="CashFlowsFromOperatingActivitiesTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/ImpairmentAndResultOnDisposalOfNon-currentAssetsTables" id="ImpairmentAndResultOnDisposalOfNon-currentAssetsTables">
          <link:definition>999084 - Disclosure - Impairment and result on disposal of non-current assets (Tables)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables" id="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/ProvisionForDe-characterizationOfDamStructuresAndAssetRetirementObligationsTables" id="ProvisionForDe-characterizationOfDamStructuresAndAssetRetirementObligationsTables">
          <link:definition>999086 - Disclosure - Provision for de-characterization of dam structures and asset retirement obligations (Tables)</link:definition>
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/IntangiblesTables" id="IntangiblesTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/RailwayConcessionsTables" id="RailwayConcessionsTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialResultsTables" id="FinancialResultsTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesTables" id="FinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementTables" id="FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LoansAndBorrowingsTables" id="LoansAndBorrowingsTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LeasesTables" id="LeasesTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/OtherFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesTables" id="OtherFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/CashFlowsFromFinancingActivitiesTables" id="CashFlowsFromFinancingActivitiesTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/BrumadinhoDamFailureTables" id="BrumadinhoDamFailureTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LiabilitiesRelatedToAssociatesAndJointVenturesTables" id="LiabilitiesRelatedToAssociatesAndJointVenturesTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LegalAndAdministrativeProceedingsTables" id="LegalAndAdministrativeProceedingsTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/CommitmentsAndGuaranteesTables" id="CommitmentsAndGuaranteesTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/EquityTables" id="EquityTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/InvestmentsInAssociatesAndJointVenturesTables" id="InvestmentsInAssociatesAndJointVenturesTables">
          <link:definition>999101 - Disclosure - Investments in associates and joint ventures (Tables)</link:definition>
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/AcquisitionsAndDivestituresTables" id="AcquisitionsAndDivestituresTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/EmployeeBenefitsTables" id="EmployeeBenefitsTables">
          <link:definition>999103 - Disclosure - Employee benefits (Tables)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/RelatedPartiesTables" id="RelatedPartiesTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/BasisOfPreparationOfConsolidatedFinancialStatementsTables" id="BasisOfPreparationOfConsolidatedFinancialStatementsTables">
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          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
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        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/SignificantEventsAndTransactionsRelatedTo2025FinancialStatementsDetailsNarrative" id="SignificantEventsAndTransactionsRelatedTo2025FinancialStatementsDetailsNarrative">
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/InformationByBusinessSegmentAndGeographicAreaDetails" id="InformationByBusinessSegmentAndGeographicAreaDetails">
          <link:definition>999107 - Disclosure - Information by business segment and geographic area (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/InformationByBusinessSegmentAndGeographicAreaDetails1" id="InformationByBusinessSegmentAndGeographicAreaDetails1">
          <link:definition>999108 - Disclosure - Information by business segment and geographic area (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/InformationByBusinessSegmentAndGeographicAreaDetails2" id="InformationByBusinessSegmentAndGeographicAreaDetails2">
          <link:definition>999109 - Disclosure - Information by business segment and geographic area (Details 2)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/InformationByBusinessSegmentAndGeographicAreaDetails3" id="InformationByBusinessSegmentAndGeographicAreaDetails3">
          <link:definition>999110 - Disclosure - Information by business segment and geographic area (Details 3)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/InformationByBusinessSegmentAndGeographicAreaDetailsNarrative" id="InformationByBusinessSegmentAndGeographicAreaDetailsNarrative">
          <link:definition>999111 - Disclosure - Information by business segment and geographic area (Details Narrative)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/CostsAndExpensesByNatureDetails" id="CostsAndExpensesByNatureDetails">
          <link:definition>999112 - Disclosure - Costs and expenses by nature (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/CostsAndExpensesByNatureDetails1" id="CostsAndExpensesByNatureDetails1">
          <link:definition>999113 - Disclosure - Costs and expenses by nature (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/CostsAndExpensesByNatureDetails2" id="CostsAndExpensesByNatureDetails2">
          <link:definition>999114 - Disclosure - Costs and expenses by nature (Details 2)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/TaxesDetails" id="TaxesDetails">
          <link:definition>999115 - Disclosure - Taxes (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/TaxesDetails1" id="TaxesDetails1">
          <link:definition>999116 - Disclosure - Taxes (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/TaxesDetails2" id="TaxesDetails2">
          <link:definition>999117 - Disclosure - Taxes (Details 2)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/TaxesDetails3" id="TaxesDetails3">
          <link:definition>999118 - Disclosure - Taxes (Details 3)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/TaxesDetails4" id="TaxesDetails4">
          <link:definition>999119 - Disclosure - Taxes (Details 4)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/TaxesDetailsNarrative" id="TaxesDetailsNarrative">
          <link:definition>999120 - Disclosure - Taxes (Details Narrative)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/BasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails" id="BasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetails">
          <link:definition>999121 - Disclosure - Basic and diluted earnings per share (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/AccountsReceivableDetails" id="AccountsReceivableDetails">
          <link:definition>999122 - Disclosure - Accounts receivable (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/AccountsReceivableDetails1" id="AccountsReceivableDetails1">
          <link:definition>999123 - Disclosure - Accounts receivable (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/InventoriesDetails" id="InventoriesDetails">
          <link:definition>999124 - Disclosure - Inventories (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/SuppliersAndOtherPayablesDetails" id="SuppliersAndOtherPayablesDetails">
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          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/SuppliersAndOtherPayablesDetails1" id="SuppliersAndOtherPayablesDetails1">
          <link:definition>999126 - Disclosure - Suppliers and other payables (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/AccountsReceivableDetailsNarrative" id="AccountsReceivableDetailsNarrative">
          <link:definition>999127 - Disclosure - Accounts receivable (Details Narrative)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/SuppliersAndOtherPayablesDetailsNarrative" id="SuppliersAndOtherPayablesDetailsNarrative">
          <link:definition>999128 - Disclosure - Suppliers and other payables (Details Narrative)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/StreamingTransactionsDetails" id="StreamingTransactionsDetails">
          <link:definition>999129 - Disclosure - Streaming transactions (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/StreamingTransactionsDetails1" id="StreamingTransactionsDetails1">
          <link:definition>999130 - Disclosure - Streaming transactions (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/StreamingTransactionsDetailsNarrative" id="StreamingTransactionsDetailsNarrative">
          <link:definition>999131 - Disclosure - Streaming transactions (Details Narrative)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/CashFlowsFromOperatingActivitiesDetails" id="CashFlowsFromOperatingActivitiesDetails">
          <link:definition>999132 - Disclosure - Cash flows from operating activities (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/CashFlowsFromOperatingActivitiesDetails1" id="CashFlowsFromOperatingActivitiesDetails1">
          <link:definition>999133 - Disclosure - Cash flows from operating activities (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/ImpairmentAndResultOnDisposalOfNon-currentAssetsDetails" id="ImpairmentAndResultOnDisposalOfNon-currentAssetsDetails">
          <link:definition>999134 - Disclosure - Impairment and result on disposal of non-current assets (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/ImpairmentAndResultOnDisposalOfNon-currentAssetsDetails1" id="ImpairmentAndResultOnDisposalOfNon-currentAssetsDetails1">
          <link:definition>999135 - Disclosure - Impairment and result on disposal of non-current assets (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/ImpairmentAndResultOnDisposalOfNon-currentAssetsDetails3" id="ImpairmentAndResultOnDisposalOfNon-currentAssetsDetails3">
          <link:definition>999136 - Disclosure - Impairment and result on disposal of non-current assets (Details 3)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/ImpairmentAndResultOnDisposalOfNon-currentAssetsDetailsNarrative" id="ImpairmentAndResultOnDisposalOfNon-currentAssetsDetailsNarrative">
          <link:definition>999137 - Disclosure - Impairment and result on disposal of non-current assets (Details Narrative)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails" id="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetails">
          <link:definition>999138 - Disclosure - Property, plant, and equipment (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetailsNarrative" id="PropertyPlantAndEquipmentDetailsNarrative">
          <link:definition>999139 - Disclosure - Property, plant, and equipment (Details Narrative)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/ProvisionForDe-characterizationOfDamStructuresAndAssetRetirementObligationsDetails" id="ProvisionForDe-characterizationOfDamStructuresAndAssetRetirementObligationsDetails">
          <link:definition>999140 - Disclosure - Provision for de-characterization of dam structures and asset retirement obligations (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/ProvisionForDe-characterizationOfDamStructuresAndAssetRetirementObligationsDetails1" id="ProvisionForDe-characterizationOfDamStructuresAndAssetRetirementObligationsDetails1">
          <link:definition>999141 - Disclosure - Provision for de-characterization of dam structures and asset retirement obligations (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/ProvisionForDe-characterizationOfDamStructuresAndAssetRetirementObligationsDetails2" id="ProvisionForDe-characterizationOfDamStructuresAndAssetRetirementObligationsDetails2">
          <link:definition>999142 - Disclosure - Provision for de-characterization of dam structures and asset retirement obligations (Details 2)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/ProvisionForDe-characterizationOfDamStructuresAndAssetRetirementObligationsDetailsNarrative" id="ProvisionForDe-characterizationOfDamStructuresAndAssetRetirementObligationsDetailsNarrative">
          <link:definition>999143 - Disclosure - Provision for de-characterization of dam structures and asset retirement obligations (Details Narrative)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/Intangibles-Details" id="Intangibles-Details">
          <link:definition>999144 - Disclosure - Intangibles - (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/Intangibles-Details1" id="Intangibles-Details1">
          <link:definition>999145 - Disclosure - Intangibles - (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/RailwayConcessionsDetails" id="RailwayConcessionsDetails">
          <link:definition>999146 - Disclosure - Railway concessions (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/RailwayConcessionsDetailsNarrative" id="RailwayConcessionsDetailsNarrative">
          <link:definition>999147 - Disclosure - Railway concessions (Details Narrative)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/Climate-relatedFinancialInformationDetailsNarrative" id="Climate-relatedFinancialInformationDetailsNarrative">
          <link:definition>999148 - Disclosure - Climate-related financial information (Details Narrative)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialResultsDetails" id="FinancialResultsDetails">
          <link:definition>999149 - Disclosure - Financial results (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" id="FinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails">
          <link:definition>999150 - Disclosure - Financial assets and liabilities (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails1" id="FinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails1">
          <link:definition>999151 - Disclosure - Financial assets and liabilities (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails2" id="FinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails2">
          <link:definition>999152 - Disclosure - Financial assets and liabilities (Details 2)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails" id="FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails">
          <link:definition>999153 - Disclosure - Financial and capital risk management (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails1" id="FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails1">
          <link:definition>999154 - Disclosure - Financial and capital risk management (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails2" id="FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails2">
          <link:definition>999155 - Disclosure - Financial and capital risk management (Details 2)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails3" id="FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails3">
          <link:definition>999156 - Disclosure - Financial and capital risk management (Details 3)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails4" id="FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails4">
          <link:definition>999157 - Disclosure - Financial and capital risk management (Details 4)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails5" id="FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails5">
          <link:definition>999158 - Disclosure - Financial and capital risk management (Details 5)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails6" id="FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails6">
          <link:definition>999159 - Disclosure - Financial and capital risk management (Details 6)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails7" id="FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails7">
          <link:definition>999160 - Disclosure - Financial and capital risk management (Details 7)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails8" id="FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails8">
          <link:definition>999161 - Disclosure - Financial and capital risk management (Details 8)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails9" id="FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails9">
          <link:definition>999162 - Disclosure - Financial and capital risk management (Details 9)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails10" id="FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails10">
          <link:definition>999163 - Disclosure - Financial and capital risk management (Details 10)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails11" id="FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails11">
          <link:definition>999164 - Disclosure - Financial and capital risk management (Details 11)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails12" id="FinancialAndCapitalRiskManagementDetails12">
          <link:definition>999165 - Disclosure - Financial and capital risk management (Details 12)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LoansAndBorrowingsDetails" id="LoansAndBorrowingsDetails">
          <link:definition>999166 - Disclosure - Loans and borrowings (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LoansAndBorrowingsDetails1" id="LoansAndBorrowingsDetails1">
          <link:definition>999167 - Disclosure - Loans and borrowings (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LoansAndBorrowingsDetailsNarrative" id="LoansAndBorrowingsDetailsNarrative">
          <link:definition>999168 - Disclosure - Loans and borrowings (Details Narrative)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LeasesDetails" id="LeasesDetails">
          <link:definition>999169 - Disclosure - Leases (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LeasesDetails1" id="LeasesDetails1">
          <link:definition>999170 - Disclosure - Leases (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LeasesDetails2" id="LeasesDetails2">
          <link:definition>999171 - Disclosure - Leases (Details 2)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/OtherFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails" id="OtherFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails">
          <link:definition>999172 - Disclosure - Other financial assets and liabilities (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/OtherFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails1" id="OtherFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails1">
          <link:definition>999173 - Disclosure - Other financial assets and liabilities (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/OtherFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails2" id="OtherFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetails2">
          <link:definition>999174 - Disclosure - Other financial assets and liabilities (Details 2)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/OtherFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetailsNarrative" id="OtherFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetailsNarrative">
          <link:definition>999175 - Disclosure - Other financial assets and liabilities (Details Narrative)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/CashFlowsFromFinancingActivitiesDetails" id="CashFlowsFromFinancingActivitiesDetails">
          <link:definition>999176 - Disclosure - Cash flows from financing activities (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/CashFlowsFromFinancingActivitiesDetailsNarrative" id="CashFlowsFromFinancingActivitiesDetailsNarrative">
          <link:definition>999177 - Disclosure - Cash flows from financing activities (Details Narrative)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/BrumadinhoDamFailureDetails" id="BrumadinhoDamFailureDetails">
          <link:definition>999178 - Disclosure - Brumadinho dam failure (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/BrumadinhoDamFailureDetails1" id="BrumadinhoDamFailureDetails1">
          <link:definition>999179 - Disclosure - Brumadinho dam failure (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/BrumadinhoDamFailureDetailsNarrative" id="BrumadinhoDamFailureDetailsNarrative">
          <link:definition>999180 - Disclosure - Brumadinho dam failure (Details Narrative)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LiabilitiesRelatedToAssociatesAndJointVenturesDetails" id="LiabilitiesRelatedToAssociatesAndJointVenturesDetails">
          <link:definition>999181 - Disclosure - Liabilities related to associates and joint ventures (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LiabilitiesRelatedToAssociatesAndJointVenturesDetails1" id="LiabilitiesRelatedToAssociatesAndJointVenturesDetails1">
          <link:definition>999182 - Disclosure - Liabilities related to associates and joint ventures (Details 1)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LiabilitiesRelatedToAssociatesAndJointVenturesDetailsNarrative" id="LiabilitiesRelatedToAssociatesAndJointVenturesDetailsNarrative">
          <link:definition>999183 - Disclosure - Liabilities related to associates and joint ventures (Details Narrative)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LegalAndAdministrativeProceedingsDetails" id="LegalAndAdministrativeProceedingsDetails">
          <link:definition>999184 - Disclosure - Legal and administrative proceedings (Details)</link:definition>
          <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
          <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
        </link:roleType>
        <link:roleType roleURI="http://vale.com/role/LegalAndAdministrativeProceedingsDetails1" id="LegalAndAdministrativeProceedingsDetails1">
          <link:definition>999185 - Disclosure - Legal and administrative proceedings (Details 1)</link:definition>
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          <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
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</schema>
