Brazil's Vale S.A. is a global player in the production and sale of iron ore and iron ore pellets, serving both domestic and international markets. The company operates through two segments: Iron Solutions, which focuses on extracting and producing iron ore and pellets, manganese, and other ferrous products; and Energy Transition Materials, which produces and extracts nickel and its by-products, copper and other precious metals, used in the production of stainless steel, electric vehicles, metal alloys, and in the construction sector. Founded in 1942 and previously operating under the name Companhia Vale do Rio Doce, the Rio de Janeiro-based company changed its name to Vale S.A. in May 2009.