Vale S.A. produces iron ore and nickel across Brazil, Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania. It operates in two segments: Iron Ore Solutions and Vale Base Metals. The company extracts, produces, and distributes iron ore, pellets, briquettes, nickel, copper, other ferrous products, and by-products such as gold, silver, cobalt, platinum-group metals, and other base metals, as well as low-carbon critical minerals. It also operates logistics systems and distribution centers, including mining complexes, railways, maritime terminals, ports, and ships; generates energy from hydroelectric, solar, and wind sources; and engages in greenfield mineral exploration, research, and trading activities. Formerly known as Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, it changed its name to Vale S.A. in May 2009. The company was founded in 1942 and is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.