Third-party assessor Intertek Group has affirmed that nickel produced from Vale's Copper Cliff nickel refinery in Sudbury has a low carbon footprint, generating 7.3 tonnes of CO2 per tonne of nickel.

Copper Cliff produces nickel pellets and powder products.

The carbon footprint of Vale's Canadian-produced nickel is within the top 10% globally.

Nickel produced at Vale's Clydach refinery in Wales generated 33.1 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, putting it in line with the industry average, the Brazilian iron ore producer said.

"Sustainable, reliable production of high-quality nickel is essential to global carbonisation efforts," Vale's executive vice president of base metals Deshnee Naidoo said.

"Our low-carbon products show we have the right assets in the right geographies, and the technical expertise to unlock long-term value for the business and society."

Nickel produced at Vale's Long Harbour refinery in Newfoundland and Labrador are also low-carbon, emitting 4.4 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per tonne of nickel, Vale said.

The carbon footprints of these projects were calculated using data from 2020. All carbon emissions are measured in accordance with GHG Protocol's product life cycle accounting and reporting standard.

Vale has committed to becoming net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In recent months, it has expanded its use of electric locomotives, and initiated projects to decarbonise steel production.