Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2)

Registration Nos. 333-160448; 333-160448-01

Subject to Completion

Preliminary Prospectus Supplement dated July 6, 2009

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
(To prospectus dated July 6, 2009)

 

 

Vale Capital II

 

US$     % Guaranteed Notes, Series VALE-2012

Mandatorily Convertible into American Depositary Shares,

each representing one common share of Vale S.A.

 

 US$     % Guaranteed Notes, Series VALE.P-2012

Mandatorily Convertible into American Depositary Shares,

each representing one preferred class A share of Vale S.A.

 

Unconditionally Guaranteed by

Vale S.A.

 

 

 

 

Vale Capital II is offering US$     aggregate principal amount of its     % Guaranteed Notes, Series VALE-2012 (the “Series VALE-2012 Notes”) and US$     aggregate principal amount of its     % Guaranteed Notes, Series VALE.P-2012 (the “Series VALE.P-2012 Notes,” together with the Series VALE-2012 Notes, the “notes”). Interest will be payable quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on September 15, 2009. Additional remuneration will be payable based on the net amount of cash distributions paid to holders of American Depositary Shares as described under “Description of the Notes—Additional Remuneration Based on Vale Distributions of Cash in Respect of ADSs.”

 

The Series VALE-2012 Notes will be mandatorily converted to American Depositary Shares, each representing common shares of Vale S.A., or Vale (the “common ADSs”). The Series VALE.P-2012 Notes will be mandatorily converted to American Depositary Shares, each representing preferred class A shares of Vale (the “preferred ADSs,” and together with the common ADSs, the “ADSs”). Mandatory conversion will be on June 15, 2012, (the “stated maturity,” and such date or any earlier date to which repayment of the notes is accelerated, the “maturity”). The conversion rate per US$50 principal amount of the Series VALE-2012 Notes will be not more than     common ADSs and not less than     common ADSs, and the conversion rate per US$50 principal amount of the Series VALE.P-2012 Notes will be not more than     preferred ADSs and not less than     preferred ADSs, depending in each case on the market value of the applicable ADSs. At any time prior to the maturity date, you may elect to convert your notes at the minimum conversion rate. Upon the imposition of certain withholding taxes, Vale Capital II may convert the notes prior to maturity as described under “Description of the Notes—Optional Tax Conversion.” The conversion rates are subject to certain adjustments as described under “Description of the Notes—Anti-dilution Adjustments.”

 

The notes will be unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Vale Capital II. The guarantee will be an unsecured and unsubordinated obligation of Vale.

 

Vale’s common ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “VALE”. Vale’s preferred ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “VALE.P”. Vale Capital II will apply to list the notes on the New York Stock Exchange.

 

Investing in the notes involves risks that are described in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 8 of this prospectus supplement.

 

 

 

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus supplement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The notes will be ready for delivery in book-entry form only through The Depository Trust Company on or about July   , 2009.

 

 

The date of this prospectus supplement is July  , 2009.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Prospectus Supplement

 

 

Prospectus

 

 

 

You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. We have not, and the underwriters have not, authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offer to sell these notes in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the documents incorporated by reference is accurate only as of each of their respective dates. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.

 

Brazil

 

A final conclusive judgment for the payment of money rendered by any New York State or federal court sitting in New York City in respect of the notes would be recognized in the courts of Brazil, and such courts would enforce such judgment without any retrial or reexamination of the merits of the original action only if such judgment has been previously ratified by the Brazilian Superior Court of Justice (Superior Tribunal de Justiça). This ratification is available only if:

 

 

In addition:

 

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no assurance can be given that such confirmation would be obtained, that the process described above could be conducted in a timely manner or that a Brazilian court would enforce a monetary judgment for violation of the U.S. securities laws with respect to the notes.

 

Cayman Islands

 

Vale Capital II has been advised by its Cayman Islands counsel, Harney, Westwood & Riegels, that although there is no statutory enforcement in the Cayman Islands of judgments obtained in the United States, the courts of the Cayman Islands will, based on the principle that a judgment by a competent foreign court imposes upon the judgment debtor an obligation to pay the sum for which judgment has been given, recognize and enforce a foreign judgment of a court having jurisdiction over the defendant according to Cayman Islands conflict of law rules. To be so enforced the foreign judgment must be final and for a liquidated sum not in respect of taxes or a fine or penalty or of a kind inconsistent with a Cayman Islands judgment in respect of the same matters or obtained in a manner, and is not of a kind the enforcement of which is contrary to natural justice, statute or the public policy of the Cayman Islands. There is doubt, however, as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands will:

 

 

in each case, on the grounds that such provisions are penal in nature.

 

A Cayman Islands court may stay proceedings if concurrent proceedings are being brought elsewhere.

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SUMMARY

																		Three months ended
		Year Ended December 31,																March 31, 2009
		2006				2006(1)				2007				2008				(unaudited)
										(%)
Ferrous minerals:
Iron ore			49.2	%			39.0	%			36.0	%			46.2	%			57.7	%
Iron ore pellets			9.7				7.7				8.3				11.2				5.0
Manganese			0.3				0.2				0.2				0.7				0.3
Ferroalloys			2.5				2.0				2.1				3.1				1.5
Pig iron			—				—				0.2				0.4				0.2
Subtotal			61.7				48.9				46.8				61.6				64.7
Non-ferrous minerals:
Nickel(2)			11.6				25.6				30.3				15.5				11.8
Aluminum			11.7				9.3				8.2				7.9				8.2
Copper			5.3				7.1				6.0				5.3				4.4
PGMs(2)			0.4				1.0				1.0				1.0				1.0
Other precious metals(2)			0.1				0.7				0.3				0.3				0.5
Other non-ferrous minerals			1.9				1.6				1.7				1.3				2.1
Subtotal			31.0				45.3				47.5				31.3				28.0
Coal			—				—				0.5				1.5				2.5
Logistics			6.8				5.4				4.6				4.2				3.7
Other investments			0.5				0.4				0.6				1.4				1.1
Total			100	%			100	%			100	%			100	%			100	%

(1)		Including Vale Inco’s 2006 gross revenues prior to its acquisition.
(2)		Revenues included in the nickel product segment in our consolidated financial statements.

	•	Ferrous minerals:

	•	Iron ore and iron ore pellets. We operate three systems in Brazil for producing and distributing iron ore. The Northern and the Southeastern Systems are fully integrated, consisting of mines, railroads, a maritime terminal and a port. The Southern System consists of three mining complexes and two maritime terminals. We operate 10 pellet-producing facilities in Brazil, one of which is a joint venture. We also have a 50% stake in a joint venture that owns three pelletizing plants in Brazil and a 25% stake in a pellet company in China.
	•	Manganese and ferroalloys. We conduct our manganese mining operations through subsidiaries in Brazil, and we produce several types of manganese ferroalloys through subsidiaries in Brazil, France and Norway.

	•	Non-ferrous minerals:

	•	Nickel. Our principal nickel mines and processing operations are conducted by our wholly-owned subsidiary Vale Inco Limited (“Vale Inco”), which has mining operations in Canada and Indonesia. We own and operate, or have interests in, nickel refining facilities in the United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea and China.
	•	Aluminum. We are engaged in bauxite mining, alumina refining, and aluminum metal smelting. In Brazil, we own a bauxite mine, an alumina refinery and two aluminum smelters. We have a 40% interest in Mineração Rio do Norte S.A., a bauxite producer, operations of which are also located in Brazil.
	•	Copper. We have copper mining operations in Brazil and Canada. In Brazil, we produce copper concentrates at Sossego in Carajás, in the state of Pará. In Canada, we produce copper concentrate, copper anode and copper cathode in conjunction with our nickel mining operations at Sudbury, Thompson and Voisey’s Bay.
	•	PGMs. We produce platinum-group metals as by-products of our nickel mining and processing operations in Canada. The PGMs are concentrated at our Port Colborne facilities, in the Province of Ontario, Canada, and refined at our precious metals refinery in Acton, England.
	•	Other precious metals. We produce gold and silver as by-products of our nickel mining and processing operations in Canada. Some of these precious metals are upgraded at our facilities in Port Colborne, Ontario, and all are refined by unrelated parties in Canada.
	•	Other non-ferrous minerals. We are the world’s fourth-largest producer of kaolin for the paper industry and Brazil’s sole producer of potash. We produce cobalt as a by-product of our nickel mining and processing operations in Canada and refine it at our Port Colborne facilities.

	•	Coal. We produce metallurgical and thermal coal through Vale Australia Holdings, which operates coal assets in Australia through wholly-owned subsidiaries and unincorporated joint ventures. We also have minority interests in Chinese coal and coke producers.
	•	Logistics. We are a leading provider of logistics services in Brazil, with railroads, maritime terminals and a port. Two of our three iron ore systems incorporate an integrated railroad network linked to automated port and terminal facilities, which provide rail transportation for our mining products, general cargo and passengers, bulk terminal storage, and ship loading services for our mining operations and for customers. We also have a 31.3% interest in Log-In Logística Intermodal S.A., which provides container-based logistics services in Brazil, and a 41.5% interest in MRS Logística S.A., which transports our iron ore products from the Southern System mines to our Guaíba Island and Itaguaí maritime terminals, in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

Issuer		Vale Capital II, a Cayman Islands exempted limited liability company
Guarantor		Vale S.A.
Notes offered		•  US$     in principal amount of     % Guaranteed Notes, Series VALE-2012, mandatorily convertible into common ADSs
		•  US$     in principal amount of     % Guaranteed Notes, Series VALE.P-2012, mandatorily convertible into preferred ADSs
Guarantee		Vale has irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed the performance and full and punctual payment of all of Vale Capital II’s obligations under the indenture and the notes, whether for delivery of ADSs or payment of interest or any other amounts that may become due and payable in respect of the notes.
Initial offering price		US$50 per note of each series
Principal amount		US$50 per note of each series
Interest rate		•  The Series VALE-2012 Notes will bear interest at     % per annum from , 2009, based on a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
		•  The Series VALE.P-2012 Notes will bear interest at     % per annum from , 2009, based on a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
Interest payment dates		Interest will be payable quarterly on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing on September 15, 2009.
Deferral of interest payments		We may elect to defer interest payments, in which case the deferred interest will accrue interest at the stated interest rate.
Additional remuneration based on Vale distributions of cash in respect of ADSs		We will pay to the holders of our Series VALE-2012 Notes or VALE.P-2012 Notes additional remuneration in the event that Vale makes cash distributions to all holders of common ADSs or preferred ADSs, respectively, calculated in the manner described in “Description of the Notes—Additional Remuneration Based on Vale Distribution of Cash in Respect of ADSs.”
Redemption		The notes are not redeemable or convertible into ADSs by the issuer prior to maturity, except as described under “Description of the Notes—Optional Tax Conversion.”

Mandatory conversion date (stated maturity)		June 15, 2012
Mandatory conversion		On the maturity date (whether at stated maturity or upon acceleration following an event of default), the Series VALE-2012 Notes will automatically convert into common ADSs, each representing one common share of Vale, and the Series VALE.P-2012 Notes will automatically convert into preferred ADSs, each representing one preferred class A share of Vale, based on the respective conversion rates as described under “Description of the Notes—Mandatory Conversion.”
Conversion rate for Series VALE-2012 Notes		The conversion rate for each Series VALE-2012 Note will be not more than          common ADS and not less than          common ADS, depending on the applicable market value of the common ADSs, as described below.
		The following table illustrates the conversion rate per note, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments described under “Description of the Notes—Anti-dilution Adjustments.”

		Twenty-Day Market Value		Conversion Rate
		Less than or equal to US$
		Between US$ and US$		US$50.00 divided by the twenty-day market value
		Equal to or greater than US$

Conversion rate for Series VALE.P-2012 Notes		The conversion rate for each Series VALE.P-2012 Note will be not more than preferred ADS and not less than preferred ADS, depending on the twenty-day market value of the preferred ADSs, as described below.
		The following table illustrates the conversion rate per note, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments described under “Description of the Notes—Anti-dilution Adjustments.”

		Twenty-Day Market Value		Conversion Rate
		Less than or equal to US$
		Between US$     and US$		US$50.00 divided by the twenty-day market value
		Equal to or greater than US$

Conversion at the option of the holder		Other than during any cash acquisition conversion period, as described under “Description of the Notes—Other Conversion Events—Conversion upon Cash Acquisition; Cash Acquisition Interest Make-Whole Amount,” holders of the notes have the right to convert their notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to maturity,
		•  in the case of the Series VALE-2012 Notes, into common ADSs at the minimum conversion rate of     common ADSs per Series VALE-2012 Note, and
		•  in the case of Series VALE.P-2012 Notes, into preferred ADSs at the minimum conversion rate of     preferred ADSs per Series VALE.P-2012 Note,
		subject in each case to adjustment as described under “Description of the Notes—Anti-dilution Adjustments.”
Conversion upon cash acquisition; cash acquisition interest make-whole amount		If a cash acquisition (as defined under “Description of the Notes—Other Conversion Events—Conversion Upon Cash Acquisition; Cash Acquisition Interest Make-Whole Amount”) of Vale occurs, we will provide for the conversion of the notes and a cash acquisition interest make-whole amount by:
		•  permitting holders to submit their notes for conversion (“cash acquisition early conversion”) at any time during the period (the “cash acquisition conversion period”) beginning on the earlier of the delivery of the notice described below and the effective date of such cash acquisition (the “effective date”) and ending on the date that is 15 days after the effective date at the conversion rate (the “cash acquisition conversion rate”) specified in the table set forth under “Description of the Notes—Other Conversion Events—Conversion Upon Cash Acquisition; Cash Acquisition Interest Make-Whole Amount” (subject to our ability to settle in cash a portion of such conversion); and
		•  paying converting holders an amount in cash equal to the sum of (a) any accrued and unpaid interest (including any deferred interest) on their notes to but excluding the date of conversion plus (b) the present value of all remaining interest payments on their notes from the date of conversion through but excluding the stated maturity date, calculated as set forth under “Description of the Notes—Other Conversion Events—Conversion Upon Cash Acquisition; Cash Acquisition Interest Make-Whole Amount.”

		We will notify holders of any cash acquisition and the corresponding cash acquisition conversion period at such time as the acquisition has been publicly announced and we are able to reasonably anticipate the effective date of the acquisition, but in no case earlier than 20 days prior to such anticipated effective date.
		See “Description of the Notes—Other Conversion Events—Conversion Upon Cash Acquisition; Cash Acquisition Interest Make-Whole Amount.”
Anti-dilution adjustments		The formula for determining the conversion rate may be adjusted in the event of, among other things, stock dividends or distributions of Vale’s shares, or subdivisions, splits and combinations of Vale’s shares. See “Description of the Notes—Anti-dilution Adjustments.”
Voting rights		Holders of the notes will have no voting rights.
Ranking
Notes		The notes are unsecured and unsubordinated obligations of Vale Capital II. Your rights under these notes will be junior to the rights of secured creditors of Vale Capital II to the extent of their interest in Vale Capital II’s assets.
Guarantee		The guarantee will be an unsecured and unsubordinated obligation of Vale. Your rights under the guarantee will be:
		•  junior to the rights of secured creditors of Vale to the extent of their interest in Vale’s assets; and
		•  effectively subordinated to the rights of any creditor of a subsidiary of Vale (other than Vale Capital II) over the assets of that subsidiary.
Events of Default		Holders of the notes will have special rights if an event of default occurs. These events of default are described in detail under the heading “Description of Debt Securities—Events of Default” in the accompanying prospectus. Upon a default and acceleration of the notes of any series, the notes will automatically convert into common ADSs or preferred ADSs, as applicable, as described under “Description of the Notes—Mandatory Conversion.”
Use of proceeds		We intend to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes.
Listing		We will apply to list the notes on the New York Stock Exchange.
Book-entry, delivery and form		The notes will be represented by one or more permanent global certificates in definitive, fully registered form deposited with a custodian for, and registered in the name of, a nominee of DTC.

 

Our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008, which is incorporated by reference in the accompanying prospectus, includes extensive risk factors relating to our business and the ADSs. You should carefully consider those risks and the risks described below, as well as the other information included or incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus, before making a decision to invest in the notes.

 

Risks Relating to the Notes

 

Vale’s subsidiaries, affiliated companies and joint ventures are not obligated under the notes or the guarantee, and these companies’ obligations to their own creditors will effectively rank ahead of Vale’s obligations under the guarantee.

 

Vale Capital II is the obligor under the notes and only its parent company, Vale, is obligated under the guarantee of the notes.

 

Vale Capital II will have no operations other than acting as a finance subsidiary and no assets other than (i) agreements to be entered into with Vale and/or other Vale subsidiaries to permit Vale Capital II to satisfy its obligations under the terms of the notes and (ii) unsecured obligations from other Vale subsidiaries arising from onlending the proceeds of borrowing. These other subsidiaries are not liable under the notes or the guarantee, and they may not have the ability to repay their loans from Vale Capital II.

 

Vale conducts a significant amount of business through subsidiaries, affiliated companies and joint ventures, none of which are obligated under the notes or the guarantee. In the first three months of 2009, the subsidiaries were responsible for 27% of Vale’s consolidated U.S. GAAP gross revenues from operations and 19% of Vale’s consolidated U.S. GAAP net cash flows provided by operating activities. The claims of any creditor of a subsidiary, affiliated company or joint venture of Vale would rank ahead of Vale’s ability to receive dividends and other cash flows from these companies. As a result, claims of these creditors would rank ahead of Vale’s ability to access cash from these companies in order to satisfy its obligations under the guarantee. In addition, these subsidiaries, affiliated companies and joint ventures may be restricted by their own loan agreements, governing instruments and other contracts from distributing cash to Vale to enable Vale to perform under its guarantee. At March 31, 2009, 17% of Vale’s consolidated U.S. GAAP liabilities were owed by its subsidiaries. Vale is the only obligor under the guarantee, meaning that the creditors under these liabilities would rank ahead of investors in the notes in the event of Vale’s insolvency.

 

The indenture governing the notes limits the ability of Vale Capital II and Vale to grant liens over their assets for the benefit of other creditors and to merge with other entities. These restrictions do not apply to Vale’s other subsidiaries, affiliated companies and joint ventures, and these companies are not limited by the indenture in their ability to pledge their assets to other creditors.

 

There may not be a liquid trading market for the notes.

 

The notes are an issuance of new securities with no established trading markets. There can be no assurance that a liquid trading market for the notes will develop or, if one develops, that it will be maintained. If an active market for the notes does not develop, the price of the notes and the ability of a holder of notes to find a ready buyer will be adversely affected.

 

We may not be able to make payments in U.S. dollars.

 

In the past, the Brazilian economy has experienced balance of payment deficits and shortages in foreign exchange reserves, and the government has responded by restricting the ability of Brazilian or foreign persons or entities to convert reais into foreign currencies generally, and U.S. dollars in particular. The government may institute a restrictive exchange control policy in the future. Any restrictive exchange control policy could prevent or restrict our access to U.S. dollars to meet our U.S. dollar obligations and could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We cannot predict the impact of any such measures on the Brazilian economy.

We would be required to pay amounts only in reais in case of bankruptcy.

 

Any judgment obtained against Vale in the courts of Brazil in respect of any of Vale’s payment obligations under the guarantee by reason of acceleration of the notes upon a bankruptcy of Vale will be expressed in reais equivalent to the U.S. dollar amount of such sum at the exchange rate on the date at which a judicial decision declaring our bankruptcy is rendered. Accordingly, in case of bankruptcy, all credits held against Vale denominated in foreign currency will be converted into reais at the prevailing exchange rate on the date of declaration of bankruptcy by the judge. In this case, authorization by the Central Bank of Brazil may be required for the conversion of such real-denominated amount into foreign currency and for its remittance abroad.

 

Developments in other countries may affect prices for the notes.

 

The market value of securities of Brazilian companies is, to varying degrees, affected by economic and market conditions in other countries. Although economic conditions in such countries may differ significantly from economic conditions in Brazil, investors’ reactions to developments in any of these other countries may have an adverse effect on the market value of securities of Brazilian issuers. For example, in October 1997, prices of both Brazilian debt securities and Brazilian equity securities dropped substantially, precipitated by a sharp drop in the value of securities in Asian markets. The market value of the notes could be adversely affected by events elsewhere, especially in emerging market countries.

 

On conversion of the notes, the ADSs you receive may be worth less than you expect, because the value of the ADSs may decline after the conversion rate is determined.

 

The number of ADSs that you will receive on conversion of your notes is in part determined by the volume-weighted average price of the ADSs on each of the 20 consecutive scheduled trading days ending, subject to certain exceptions, on the third scheduled trading day immediately prior to maturity. Accordingly, if the price of the ADSs decreases after that day, the ADSs you receive at maturity may be worth less than the ADSs you would have received had the number of ADSs been calculated based on the price on the maturity date.

 

As a holder of the notes, you will not be entitled to any rights with respect to the ADSs or shares, but you will be subject to all changes made with respect to the ADSs or shares.

 

An investor in a note will not be a holder of the ADSs or the underlying shares. No noteholder will have any voting rights, any right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the ADSs or the underlying shares. A noteholder will have rights with respect to the ADSs only if and when the noteholder actually receives ADSs upon conversion. For example, in the event that an amendment is proposed to our bylaws requiring shareholder approval, and the record date for determining the shareholders of record entitled to vote on the amendment occurs prior to the conversion date, a noteholder will not be entitled to vote on the amendment, although the noteholder will nevertheless be subject to any changes in the powers, preferences or special rights of the shares.

 

The conversion rate of the notes may not be adjusted for all dilutive events, which may adversely affect the trading price of the notes and dilute noteholders’ ownership of ADSs upon conversion of the notes.

 

The conversion rate of the notes is subject to adjustment for certain events, including the payment of share dividends, the issuance of certain rights or warrants, subdivisions, combinations, distributions of capital stock, indebtedness or assets and certain tender or exchange offers as described under “Description of the Notes—Anti-dilution Adjustments.” However, the conversion rate will not be adjusted for other events that may adversely affect the trading price of the notes or the ADSs, such as the issuance of any common shares or preferred class A shares for cash, or to acquire another company, or pursuant to any option, warrant, right or exercisable, exchangeable or convertible security outstanding as of the date the applicable notes were first issued. An event that adversely affects the value of the notes may occur, and the event may not result in an adjustment to the conversion rate.

The adjustment to increase the conversion rate for notes converted in connection with certain acquisitions may not adequately compensate noteholders for the lost option time value of their notes as a result of such fundamental change and may not be enforceable.

 

If we are acquired, under limited circumstances, we may be required to increase the conversion rate for any notes converted in connection with such acquisition. The extent to which the conversion rate will be increased will be based on the date on which the acquisition becomes effective and the price paid, or deemed to be paid, in respect of a share of our preferred class A shares or common shares, as the case may be, in the acquisition, as described under “Description of the Notes—Other Conversion Events.” While this adjustment is designed to compensate you for the lost option time value of your notes as a result of an acquisition, the adjustment is only an approximation of such lost value and may not adequately compensate you for such loss. In addition, if the price paid, or deemed to be paid, in respect of a Series VALE-2012 Note or Series VALE.P-2012 Note in connection with such acquisition is less than US$      or more than US$      (subject to adjustment), or less than US$      or more than US$      (subject to adjustment), respectively, we will not increase the conversion rate in connection with such acquisition.

 

Purchasers of the notes may not realize any or all of the benefit of an increase in the market price of the ADSs.

 

The market value of the ADSs that you will receive upon mandatory conversion of the notes on the maturity date will exceed the stated amount of US$50 per note only if the twenty-day market value of the ADSs as defined under “Description of the Notes—Mandatory Conversion” equals or exceeds the threshold appreciation price of US$      in the case of the Series VALE-2012 Notes and US$      in the case of the Series VALE.P-2012 Notes. The threshold appreciation price for each series of notes represents an appreciation of approximately     % over the initial price. This means that the opportunity for equity appreciation provided by an investment in the notes is more limited than that provided by a direct investment in the ADSs.

 

If the twenty-day market value of the ADSs exceeds the initial price but is less than the threshold appreciation price, a holder of the notes will realize no equity appreciation on the ADSs. Furthermore, if the twenty-day market value of the ADSs exceeds the threshold appreciation price, the value of the ADSs received upon conversion will be approximately     % of the value of the common ADSs that could be purchased with US$50 at the time of this offering in the case of the Series VALE-2012 Notes and approximately     % of the value of the preferred ADSs that could be purchased with US$50 at the time of this offering in the case of the Series VALE.P-2012 Notes.

 

You will bear the entire risk of a decline in the price of our ADSs.

 

The number of ADSs that you will receive upon conversion of your notes at maturity is not fixed, but is based on a conversion rate that will depend on the price of our ADSs on each day of a specified 20-consecutive trading day period. If such 20-day market price is less than the initial price of the notes, the market value of the ADSs we deliver to you at maturity will be less than the principal amount of your notes. You will bear the full risk of a decline in the market price of our ADSs below the applicable initial price.

 

Any market that develops for the notes will influence, and will be influenced by, the market for the ADSs.

 

The price of the ADSs could become more volatile and could fall (i) based on investors’ expectations that a large number of additional ADSs will be issued after the notes have reached maturity, (ii) based on early conversion by the noteholders, (iii) due to sales of ADSs by investors who consider the notes as a more attractive means of equity participation in Vale, or (iv) through hedging or arbitrage transactions that could increasingly include the notes and ADSs.

The U.S. tax treatment of the notes could differ from what we expect in ways that could adversely affect U.S. holders.

 

As described in more detail under “Taxation—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations,” below, we intend to treat the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a prepaid forward contract written by Vale Capital II to purchase Vale ADSs at maturity or upon early conversion. Except where specifically indicated otherwise, the discussion under “— Taxation, Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations” assumes such treatment. However, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) could assert that the notes should be treated differently for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For example, under one alternative treatment, the IRS could seek to treat the notes as subject to the Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments, which would affect the timing and character of income, gain and loss recognized by a U.S. holder. Such treatment could result in adverse tax consequences and thus could adversely affect the value of the notes. U.S. holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding possible alternative characterizations of the notes, and the resulting tax consequences.

 

The net proceeds of this offering are expected to be US$      million after deducting underwriting fees and estimated expenses payable by us. We intend to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes.

 

The table below sets forth the consolidated capitalization of Vale at March 31, 2009 on an actual basis and as adjusted to give effect to the issuance of the notes offered hereby. You should read this table together with our consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.

 

 

The following description of the particular terms of the notes supplements the description of the general terms set forth in the accompanying prospectus under the headings “Description of Debt Securities” and “Description of the Guarantees.” It is important for you to consider the information contained in the accompanying prospectus and this prospectus supplement before making your decision to invest in the notes. If any specific information regarding the notes in this prospectus supplement is inconsistent with the more general terms of the notes described in the prospectus, you should rely on the information contained in this prospectus supplement. In this description, and in the related sections entitled “Description of Debt Securities” and “Description of the Guarantees” in the accompanying prospectus, references to “Vale” mean Vale S.A. only and do not include Vale Capital II or any of Vale’s other subsidiaries or affiliated companies. References to the notes include both the notes and the guarantee of the notes, except where the context indicates otherwise.

 

These descriptions are a summary of the material terms of the notes and an indenture among Vale Capital II, Vale, as guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, including supplements to that indenture concerning the notes. This summary does not restate the terms of the notes or the indenture in their entirety. We urge you to read the notes and the indenture because they, and not this description, define your rights as investors. You can obtain a copy of the forms of the supplemental indentures and of the form of the notes by contacting us as described in the accompanying prospectus under “Where You Can Find More Information.”

 

General

 

Each of the series of the notes will be a series of the Debt Securities described in the accompanying prospectus. The notes will be unsecured and unsubordinated. Vale Capital II will issue the notes under an indenture among Vale Capital II, Vale, as guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, dated as of July   , 2009 and two supplemental indentures, one for each series, to be dated as of July   , 2009. The notes will be issued only in fully registered form without coupons in minimum denominations of US$50 and any integral multiple of US$50 in excess thereof.

 

The notes will mature on June 15, 2012. We refer to this date as the “stated maturity,” and to the date on which the notes mature, whether it is the stated maturity or the settlement date resulting from any acceleration of the notes’ maturity following an event of default, as the “maturity.” Each note, unless previously converted, will automatically convert at maturity (whether at stated maturity or upon acceleration following an event of default) into a number of common ADSs at the conversion rate described herein. The indenture does not limit the amount of debt securities that Vale Capital II may issue, and in the future, Vale Capital II may issue additional debt securities or other securities with terms similar to those of the notes.

Financial Terms

 

The specific financial terms of the notes we are offering are as follows:

 

 

 

 

At their maturity, the Series VALE-2012 Notes will be mandatorily converted to common ADSs, and the Series VALE.P-2012 Notes will be mandatorily converted to preferred ADSs. See “—Mandatory Conversion.”

 

Guarantee

 

Vale has irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed the performance and full and punctual payment of all of Vale Capital II’s obligations under the indenture and the notes, whether for delivery of ADSs or for payment of interest or any other amounts that may become due and payable in respect of the notes. If Vale Capital II fails to perform any obligation or to punctually pay any amount when due, Vale will immediately perform such obligation or pay the amount that is required to be paid and has not been paid. The guarantee will be unsecured and unsubordinated.

 

Calculation of Interest

 

We will pay interest on the notes at the interest rates and on the interest payment dates stated above under “—Financial Terms” and at maturity. Each payment of interest due on an interest payment date or at maturity will include interest accrued from and including the last date to which interest has been paid or made available for payment (or from and including the issue date, if none has been paid or made available for payment) to but excluding the relevant payment date, except as described under “—Deferral of Interest Payments.” We will compute interest on the notes and on deferred interest (described below) on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.

 

If any interest payment date or the maturity of the notes falls on a day that is not a business day, payment of any amount otherwise payable on that date will be made on the first following day that is a business day with the same force and effect as if made on the date it would otherwise have been payable. No additional interest will accrue as a result of such delayed payment.

The regular record date relating to an interest payment date for any notes will be the last day of the calendar month immediately preceding the interest payment date, whether or not that preceding day is a business day. We will pay the interest to holders in whose name notes are registered at the close of business on the regular record date relating to the interest payment date. If interest is due at maturity, we will pay the interest to the person or entity entitled to receive ADSs upon conversion of the notes.

 

Deferral of Interest Payments

 

We will have the right under the indenture to defer the payment of interest (but not additional remuneration as described below under “—Additional Remuneration Based on Vale Distributions of Cash in Respect of ADSs”) and to extend any deferral period on either series of the notes at any time or from time to time, so long as we are not in default in payment of interest at the time we elect deferral and we give notice as described below. We may not defer interest payments beyond the stated maturity date of the applicable series of notes, and any deferral period must end on an interest payment date. During any deferral period interest shall continue to accrue. At the end of a deferral period we must pay all deferred interest then accrued and unpaid, together with interest on the accrued and unpaid interest, to the extent permitted by applicable law, at a rate equal to the stated interest rate for the applicable note (except in the event of a conversion prior to the maturity date as described under “—Other Conversion Events—Conversion at the Option of the Holder,” “—Other Conversion Events—Conversion Upon Cash Acquisition; Cash Acquisition Interest Make-Whole Amount” or “—Optional Tax Conversion”). Such payment will be made to such holders and at such times as non-deferred interest on the applicable note would be payable on the interest payment date or maturity date on which the deferral period ends.

 

To initiate or extend an interest deferral period we must give the Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, notice of our election to begin or extend a deferral period at least 10 business days prior to the date on which interest on the notes would have been payable, and the notice must indicate the scheduled date on which the deferral period will end. Prior to the termination of any deferral period, we may extend such deferral period to an interest payment date or the stated maturity of the notes. Upon the termination of any deferral period and the payment of all amounts then due, we may begin a new deferral period, subject to the limitations described above.

 

The Bank of New York Mellon, as trustee, shall give notice of our election to begin or extend a deferral period to the holders of the notes. Subject to the foregoing limitations, there is no limitation on the number of times that we may begin or extend a deferral period.

 

During any such deferral period, subject to certain exceptions (including an exception for distribution of amounts required to be distributed to shareholders under applicable law and Vale’s bylaws), Vale Capital II and Vale will be restricted from making certain payments, including declaring or paying dividends, or making any distributions on (including distributions in the form of interest on shareholders’ equity under Brazilian law), or redeeming, purchasing, acquiring or making a liquidation payment with respect to, equity securities of Vale Capital II or Vale, as applicable.

 

Additional Remuneration Based on Vale Distributions of Cash in Respect of ADSs

 

We will pay to the holders of our Series VALE-2012 Notes or Series VALE.P-2012 Notes additional remuneration in the event that Vale makes cash distributions to all holders of common ADSs or preferred ADSs, respectively. The amount of additional remuneration per Series VALE-2012 Note or Series VALE.P-2012 Note will be an amount in U.S. dollars equal to any cash distributions (net of any applicable withholding tax and fees) paid by the depositary for the applicable ADSs to a U.S. holder (as defined under “Taxation—Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations”) of one common ADS or preferred ADS, respectively, multiplied by the number of common ADSs or preferred ADSs that would be received upon conversion of the Series VALE-2012 Notes or the Series VALE.P-2012 Notes, respectively, at the maximum conversion rate described under “—Mandatory Conversion,” and as adjusted from time to time as described under “—Anti-dilution Adjustments.”

These amounts, if any, will be payable to holders of the notes as of the ADS record date for the related cash distribution, and such payments will be made on the payment date of the related cash distribution (except in the circumstances described under “—Other Conversion Events—Conversion at the Option of the Holder”). The notes will be issued in global form and held through the facilities of DTC, except in limited circumstances, so investors will rely on the procedures of DTC with respect to the timing and receipt of payments. See “—Book-Entry Ownership, Denomination and Transfer Procedures for the Notes.”

 

For purposes of these provisions, cash distributions include distributions in the form of interest on shareholders’ equity under Brazilian law.

 

Promptly following our determination that holders of the notes will be entitled to receive any such additional cash payments, we will issue a press release.

 

Mandatory Conversion

 

Each note, unless previously converted, will automatically convert at maturity (whether at stated maturity or upon acceleration following an event of default) into a number of common ADSs at the conversion rate described below. In addition to the ADSs issuable upon conversion of each note at its maturity holders will have the right to receive an amount in cash equal to all accrued and unpaid interest on such notes (including deferred interest) up to but excluding the maturity date.

 

The conversion rate, which is the number of ADSs deliverable upon conversion of each note on the applicable conversion date, will be as set forth below, subject in each case to adjustment as described under “—Anti-dilution Adjustments” below and to our ability to cash settle a portion of such conversion as described under “Other Conversion Events” below:

 

Series VALE-2012 Notes

 

 

Series VALE.P-2012 Notes

 

 

 

The “threshold appreciation price” with respect to either series of convertibles notes represents approximately     % appreciation over the applicable initial price.

 

We refer to the minimum conversion rate and the maximum conversion rate for a series of notes collectively as the “fixed conversion rates” for that series. The fixed conversion rates, the initial price and the threshold appreciation price for a series of notes are each subject to adjustment as described under “—Anti-dilution Adjustments” below. When we refer to a Series VALE-2012 Note (or an amount per such note), we mean per US$50.00 principal amount of such note and when we refer to a Series VALE.P-2012 Note (or an amount per such note), we mean US$50.00 principal amount of such note.

 

Assuming the market price of the ADSs we deliver to you at maturity for a series of notes is equal to the twenty-day market value of the applicable ADSs, the aggregate value you receive upon conversion will be:

 

 

Accordingly, the market price of the ADSs we deliver to you at maturity may be less than the principal amount of your notes.

 

If upon conversion of a note and receipt by you of ADSs you prefer to hold Vale common or preferred class A shares directly, you may withdraw the underlying common or preferred class A shares, as applicable, by following the relevant procedures of the depositary for the ADSs. Such withdrawals are expected to be subject only to (i) any temporary delays caused by closing transfer books of the depositary or Vale or the deposit of shares in connection with voting at a shareholders’ meeting, or the payment of dividends, if applicable, (ii) the payment of any related fees, taxes, and similar charges (which you will be responsible for), and (iii) compliance with any laws or governmental regulations in force at that time relating to the ADSs or to the withdrawal of deposited securities.

 

Each ADS currently represents one common share of Vale, in the case of the common ADSs, or one preferred class A share of Vale, in the case of the preferred ADSs. The ADSs may, however, in the future represent other securities or property as well, as a result of any non-cash distributions in respect of the common or preferred class A shares that are not distributed to ADS holders but instead are held by the depositary on behalf of ADS holders. The terms of the deposit agreement defining the rights of holders of ADSs may be altered at any time, and the deposit agreement may be replaced by another deposit agreement with differing terms.

 

Any ADSs we deliver to you will be freely transferable (assuming you are not affiliated with Vale and except for any transfer restrictions you yourself cause). You will be responsible for paying any and all brokerage costs if you sell any ADSs you receive. We will not issue fractional ADSs at maturity, as discussed under “—Fractional ADSs” below.

 

Twenty-Day Market Value

 

“Twenty-day market value” means, with respect to a Series VALE-2012 Note or a Series VALE.P-2012 Note, the average of the daily VWAP (as defined below) of the common ADSs or preferred ADSs, respectively, on each of the 20 consecutive scheduled trading days ending on the third scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity of the notes (whether at the stated maturity or upon acceleration of the

notes) or conversion of the notes, which we refer to as the “determination period” for the twenty-day market value. If an “ex-date” occurs during any determination period, the daily VWAP of the ADS on any day prior to the “ex-date” used in calculating the twenty-day market value shall be reduced by the amount of the dividend or distribution. For this purpose the amount of a non-cash dividend will be equal to the value of that dividend or distribution as determined by an internationally recognized investment banking firm that we retain for this purpose. The term “ex-date,” with respect to any dividend or distribution means the first date on which Vale’s common shares or common ADSs or preferred class A shares or preferred ADSs, as the case may be, trade without the right to receive such dividend or distribution.

 

The “daily VWAP” for an ADS means, for any scheduled trading day, the volume-weighted average price per such ADS as displayed under the heading “Bloomberg VWAP” on Bloomberg page VALE<equity>AQR, for the common ADSs, and Bloomberg page VALE/P<equity>AQR, for the preferred ADSs, in respect of the period 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (New York City time) on such scheduled trading day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the market value of one such ADS on such scheduled trading day as an internationally recognized investment bank retained for this purpose by us determines in good faith using a volume-weighted method, which determination shall be conclusive).

 

A “scheduled trading day” is, with respect to any security, any day on which the New York Stock Exchange or any national or regional securities exchange or association or over the counter market that is the principal market for trading in such security (or any successor to such exchange or any substitute securities exchange or quotation system to which trading in the security is temporarily relocated), which we also refer to as the “price source,” is scheduled to be open for its regular trading sessions.

 

If a market disruption event occurs on one or more scheduled trading days during any determination period, the daily VWAP for the affected scheduled trading day(s) shall be the daily VWAP for the first scheduled trading day thereafter on which no market disruption event exists, provided that if the daily VWAP cannot be so determined within three (3) scheduled trading days after the first scheduled trading day on which the market disruption event occurred or existed, then instead of using the daily VWAP, the price for the ADS for that day to be used in calculating the twenty-day market value shall be the exchange-published closing price for that day (or, if not available, the market value of one ADS on such scheduled trading day as an internationally recognized investment bank retained for this purpose by us determines in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive).

 

A “market disruption event” means, with respect to any price source and any day, within the period used for calculating the twenty-day market value, ADS price (see “—Conversion Upon Cash Acquisition; Cash Acquisition Interest Make-Whole Amount”), or current market price (see “—Anti-dilution Adjustments”), as applicable, any of the following events on such day: (a) the failure of the price source to announce or publish the information necessary for determining the twenty-day market value, ADS price, or current market price, as applicable, (b) the failure of trading to commence or the permanent discontinuation or material suspension of trading in the market specified for determining the twenty-day market value, ADS price, or current market price, as applicable, (c) the discontinuance or unavailability of the price source, or (d) the temporary or permanent closing of any exchange specified for determining the twenty-day market value, ADS price, or current market price as applicable.

The following charts show examples of the number of ADSs that an investor would receive for each note at various twenty-day market values. The charts assume that there will be no adjustments due to any of the events described under “—Other Conversion Events” below. We cannot assure you that the twenty-day market value will be within the ranges set forth below.

 

Series VALE-2012 Notes

 

Assumed initial price: US$17.45 (the closing price of common ADSs on the NYSE on July 2, 2009).

 

Assumed threshold appreciation price: US$20.94

 

 

 

 

As the above chart illustrates,

 

 

Series VALE.P-2012 Notes

 

Assumed initial price: US$15.20 (the closing price of common ADSs on the NYSE on July 2, 2009).

 

Assumed threshold appreciation price: US$18.24

 

 

 

 

As the above chart illustrates,

 

 

 

Other Conversion Events

 

Conversion into common ADSs or preferred ADSs will occur on the maturity date, unless you have converted your notes prior to maturity in the manner described in “—Conversion at the Option of the Holder” or “—Conversion Upon Cash Acquisition; Cash Acquisition Interest Make-Whole Amount,” or we have caused the notes to be converted prior to maturity in the circumstances described in “—Optional Tax Conversion.”

 

The person or persons entitled to receive the ADSs issuable upon conversion of a note will be treated as the record holder(s) of such ADSs as of the close of business on the applicable conversion date. Prior to the close of business on the applicable conversion date, the ADSs issuable upon conversion of the notes will not be deemed to be outstanding for any purpose and you will have no rights with respect to such ADSs or the underlying shares, including voting rights, rights to respond to tender offers and rights to receive any dividends or other distributions on the ADSs or the underlying shares, by virtue of holding the notes.

 

As of the date of this prospectus supplement, Vale holds 18,415,859 common shares and 47,284,800 preferred class A shares as treasury shares for purposes of conversion of the notes (which we refer to as the “original treasury shares”), and upon conversion of all the Series VALE-2012 Notes and Series VALE.P-2012 Notes at the initial maximum conversion rate, ADSs representing all such original treasury shares will be delivered to the holders of the notes. If a cash acquisition (as defined below under “—Conversion Upon Cash Acquisition; Cash Acquisition Interest Make-Whole Amount) or any adjustment event described under “—Anti-dilution Adjustments” for any reason causes the maximum number of ADSs deliverable upon conversion of all then-outstanding notes of a series to exceed the number of ADSs that can be issued upon the deposit of the then-remaining original treasury shares, then upon any subsequent conversion, we may satisfy our obligation to deliver ADSs upon such a conversion by delivering a combination of ADSs and an amount of cash, which we refer to as the “true-up cash amount,” as follows:

 

 

 

In the event of a cash acquisition early conversion or an optional tax conversion (as described under “—Optional Tax Conversion”), in connection with any related required notice thereof, we will notify holders that we will deliver such a true-up cash amount to each holder that converts its notes, including a good-faith estimate of the proportion of ADSs and cash to be delivered.

 

Conversion at the Option of the Holder

 

Other than during the cash acquisition conversion period (as defined below), holders of the notes have the right to convert their notes, in whole or in part, at any time prior to maturity.

 

 

subject in each case to adjustment as described under “—Anti-dilution Adjustments” below and to our ability to cash settle a portion of such conversion as described under “Other Conversion Events” above.

 

In addition to the number of ADSs issuable upon such conversion, each holder that elects to convert its notes early will have the right to receive an amount equal to all accrued and unpaid interest on such converted notes (including deferred interest) and to receive additional remuneration only through the interest payment date or through the date for the payment of additional remuneration preceding the date of the optional conversion. Accrued and unpaid interest and additional remuneration, if any, to, but not including, the conversion date, will be deemed to be paid in full rather than cancelled, extinguished or forfeited. Except as described herein, upon any optional conversion of the notes, we will make no payment or allowance for unpaid interest on the notes.

 

If notes are converted after any regular record date or any record date for the payment of additional remuneration but prior to the related payment date, holders of such notes at the close of business on such record date will receive the payment of interest or additional remuneration, as the case may be, on the related payment date notwithstanding the optional conversion. Such notes, upon surrender for conversion, must be accompanied by funds equal to the amount of the interest or additional remuneration payable on the notes so converted, as applicable, except to the extent of any overdue or deferred interest (but only through the payment date immediately preceding the date of the optional conversion) at the time of the conversion with respect to such notes.

Conversion Upon Cash Acquisition; Cash Acquisition Interest Make-Whole Amount

 

General. If a cash acquisition (as defined below) of Vale occurs with respect to the Series VALE-2012 Notes or the Series VALE.P-2012 Notes, as the case may be, we will provide for the conversion of such notes and a cash acquisition interest make-whole amount (as defined below) by:

 

 

We will notify holders of any cash acquisition and the corresponding cash acquisition conversion period at such time as the acquisition has been publicly announced and we are able to reasonably anticipate the effective date of the acquisition, but in no case earlier than 20 days prior to such anticipated effective date.

 

All notes tendered for cash acquisition early conversion on or prior to the third business day prior to the anticipated effective date shall be converted at the minimum conversion rate and the holders thereof shall be paid the cash acquisition interest make-whole amount in both cases on the second business day prior to the effective date. We then will deliver the portion of the conversion consideration that is payable on account of any difference in the minimum conversion rate and the cash acquisition conversion rate as soon as practicable, but in no event later than the third business day after the last day in the cash acquisition conversion period. As a result, holders converting in connection with a cash acquisition early conversion on or prior to the third business day prior to the anticipated effective date may receive conversion consideration in two payments rather than one, and the portion of the conversion consideration that is payable on account of the increase in the conversion rate may be delayed indefinitely (or never become payable if the cash acquisition is not consummated). Any notes tendered after the third business day prior to the effective date but before the effective date will be returned to holders if the cash acquisition is for any reason not consummated.

 

All notes tendered for cash acquisition early conversion thereafter shall be converted at the cash acquisition conversion rate and the cash acquisition interest make-whole amount shall be paid with respect to such notes, in both cases, promptly following the end of the cash acquisition conversion period.

 

Cash Acquisition Conversion Rate. The following table sets forth the cash acquisition conversion rate per note of either series for each hypothetical ADS price and effective date set forth below:

 

Series VALE-2012 Notes

 

 

Series VALE.P-2012 Notes

 

A “cash acquisition” with respect to the Series VALE-2012 Notes or the Series VALE.P-2012 Notes, as the case may be, will be deemed to have occurred at such time after the original issuance of such note upon the consummation of any acquisition (whether by means of a liquidation, share exchange, tender offer, consolidation, recapitalization, reclassification, merger of us or any sale, lease or other transfer of the consolidated assets of ours and our subsidiaries) or a series of related transactions or events pursuant to which 75% or more of Vale’s common shares, in the case of the Series VALE-2012 Notes, or 50% or more of Vale’s preferred class A shares, in the case of the Series VALE.P-2012 Notes, is exchanged for, converted into or constitutes solely the right to receive cash, securities or other property more than 10% of which consists of cash or equity securities that are not, or upon issuance will not be, traded on the New York Stock Exchange or quoted on the Nasdaq National Market, or other property.

 

The cash acquisition conversion rate with respect to a note will be determined by reference to the applicable table above and is based on the effective date and the ADS price for such transaction. If the holders of the ADSs receive only cash in the cash acquisition, the ADS price shall be the cash amount paid per such ADS. Otherwise the ADS price shall be the average of the daily closing price of the relevant ADS on each of the 10 consecutive scheduled trading days prior to but not including the first business day prior to the effective date. If a market disruption event occurs on one or more scheduled trading days during a period in which the ADS price is being determined, the daily closing price for the affected scheduled trading day(s) shall be the daily closing price for the first scheduled trading day thereafter on which no market disruption event exists, provided that if the daily closing price cannot be so determined within three (3) scheduled trading days after the first scheduled trading day on which the market disruption event occurred or existed, then instead of using the daily closing price, the price for that day to be used in calculating the ADS price shall be the market value of one ADS on such scheduled trading day as an internationally recognized investment bank retained for this purpose by us determines is good faith, which determination shall be conclusive).

 

The ADS prices set forth in the first row of the applicable table (i.e., the column headers) will be adjusted as of any date on which the fixed conversion rates of the relevant note are adjusted. The adjusted ADS prices will equal the ADS prices applicable immediately prior to such adjustment multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the minimum conversion rate immediately prior to the adjustment giving rise to the ADS price adjustment and the denominator of which is the minimum conversion rate as so adjusted. Each of the conversion rates in the table will be subject to adjustment in the same manner as each fixed conversion rate as set forth under “—Anti-dilution Adjustments.”

 

The exact ADS price with respect to Series VALE-2012 Notes or Series VALE.P-2012 Notes and effective dates may not be set forth on the table, in which case:

 

 

The “daily closing price” of a security on any date of determination means the closing sale price or, if no closing sale price is reported, the last reported sale price of such security on the New York Stock Exchange on that date. If such security is not traded on the New York Stock Exchange on any date of determination, the closing price of such security on any date of determination means the closing sale price as reported in the composite transactions for the principal U.S. national or regional securities exchange on which such security is so listed or quoted, or if not so listed or quoted on a U.S. national or regional securities exchange, as reported by the Nasdaq stock market, or, if no closing price for such security is so reported, the last quoted bid price

for or such security in the over-the-counter market as reported by the National Quotation Bureau or similar organization, or, if that bid price is not available, the market price of such security on that date as determined by a nationally recognized independent investment banking firm retained by us for this purpose.

 

All references herein to the daily closing price of a security on the New York Stock Exchange shall be such daily closing price as reflected on the website of the New York Stock Exchange (www.nyse.com) and as reported by Bloomberg Professional Service; provided that in the event that there is a discrepancy between the daily closing sale price as reflected on the website of the New York Stock Exchange and as reported by Bloomberg Professional Service, the daily closing sale price on the website of the New York Stock Exchange shall govern.

 

Cash Acquisition Interest Make-Whole Payment.  For any notes that are converted during the applicable cash acquisition conversion period, in addition to the ADSs and any cash delivered upon conversion, we must pay you in cash the sum of (which we refer to as the “cash acquisition interest make-whole amount”) (a) an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid interest (including deferred interest) on your notes, and (b) the present value of all remaining interest payments on your notes through and including the stated maturity date. The present value of the remaining interest payments will be computed using a discount rate equal to the treasury yield plus 50 basis points. “Treasury yield” means the weekly average yield at the time of computation for United States Treasury securities at constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 (519) which has become publicly available at least two business days prior to the conversion date (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source for similar market data)) most nearly equal to the then-remaining term to June 15, 2012; provided, however, that if the then-remaining term to June 15, 2012 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the treasury rate will be obtained by linear interpolation.

 

Standby Purchase Agreement

 

In order to satisfy its obligations to deliver common ADSs and preferred ADSs under the terms of the notes, Vale Capital II has entered into an agreement with Vale pursuant to which Vale has agreed to sell to Vale Capital II such number of common ADSs or preferred ADSs that Vale Capital II may require from time to time to satisfy such obligations.

 

Fractional ADSs

 

No fractional ADSs will be issued to holders of the notes upon conversion. In lieu of any fractional ADS otherwise issuable in respect of the aggregate principal amount of any holder that are converted, that holder will be entitled to receive an amount in cash (computed to the nearest cent) equal to the same fraction of:

 

 

If more than one note is surrendered for conversion at one time by or for the same holder, the number of full ADSs issuable upon conversion thereof shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate number of notes so surrendered.

 

Anti-dilution Adjustments

 

Each fixed conversion rate for the Series VALE-2012 Notes or the VALE.P-2012 Notes will be adjusted if:

 

(1) Vale pays dividends (or other distributions) on its common shares in common shares or on its preferred class A shares in preferred class A shares, respectively.

(2) Vale issues to all holders of its common shares or preferred class A shares, respectively, rights or warrants (other than rights or warrants issued pursuant to a dividend reinvestment plan or share purchase plan or other similar plans) entitling them, for a period of up to 45 days from the date of issuance of such rights or warrants, to subscribe for or purchase common shares or preferred class A shares, respectively, at less than the “current market price” (as defined below) of the common shares or preferred class A shares, respectively, on the date fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such rights or warrants.

 

(3) Vale subdivides, splits or combines its common shares or preferred class A shares, respectively.

 

(4) Vale distributes to all holders of its common shares or preferred class A shares, respectively, evidences of indebtedness, shares of capital stock, securities, or other assets (excluding any dividend or distribution covered by clauses (1) or (3) above, any rights or warrants referred to in (2) above, any dividend or distribution to the extent paid in cash, any consideration payable in connection with a tender or exchange offer made by Vale or any of its subsidiaries, and any dividend of shares of capital stock of any class or series, or similar equity interests, of or relating to a subsidiary or other business unit in the case of certain spin-off transactions as described below), in which event each fixed conversion rate for the Series VALE-2012 Notes and Series VALE.P-2012 Notes, respectively, in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the date fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such distribution will be multiplied by a fraction,

 

 

In the event that Vale makes a distribution to all holders of its common shares or preferred class A shares consisting of capital stock of, or similar equity interests in, or relating to a subsidiary or other business unit of Vale (herein referred to as a “spin-off”), each fixed conversion rate for the Series VALE-2012 Notes or Series VALE.P-2012 Notes, respectively, will be adjusted by multiplying such fixed conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the close of business on the date fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive such distribution by a fraction, the numerator of which is the current market price per common ADS or preferred ADS as of the fifteenth scheduled trading day after the “ex-date” for such distribution, plus the fair market value, as determined by an internationally recognized investment bank retained for this purpose by us, of the portion of those shares of capital stock or similar equity interests so distributed applicable to one common share or preferred class A share, respectively, as of the fifteenth scheduled trading day after the “ex-date” for such distribution (or, if such shares of capital stock or equity interests are listed on a national or regional securities exchange, the average of the daily closing price of such securities on each of the five consecutive scheduled trading days ending on such fifteenth scheduled trading day), and the denominator of which is the current market price per common ADS or preferred ADS, respectively, in each case as of the fifteenth scheduled trading day after the “ex-date” for such distribution.

 

(5) Vale or any of its subsidiaries successfully complete a tender or exchange offer for its common shares or preferred class A shares, respectively, that shall require the payment to holders of its common shares or preferred class A shares, respectively, an aggregate consideration having a fair market value per common share that exceeds the closing price of the common shares or preferred class A shares, respectively, on the scheduled trading day for the common shares or preferred class A shares next succeeding the last date on which tenders or exchanges may be made pursuant to such tender or exchange offer, in which event each fixed conversion rate in effect immediately prior to the opening of business on

the scheduled trading day for the common shares or preferred class A shares after the date of expiration of the tender or exchange offer will be divided by a fraction:

 

 

For the avoidance of doubt, a tender offer or exchange offer for, or a purchase of, ADSs shall be considered an offer or purchase of the underlying equity security.

 

(6) To the extent that Vale has a rights plan in effect with respect to its common shares or preferred class A shares, respectively, on any conversion date, upon conversion of any Series VALE-2012 Notes or Series VALE.P-2012 Notes, respectively, you will receive, in addition to common ADSs or preferred ADSs, respectively, the rights under the rights plan, unless, prior to such conversion date, the rights have separated from Vale’s common shares or preferred class A shares respectively, in which case each fixed conversion rate will be adjusted at the time of separation as if Vale made a distribution to all holders of its common shares or preferred class A shares, respectively, as described in clause (4) above, subject to readjustment in the event of the expiration, termination or redemption of such rights.

 

The “current market price” with respect to common ADS or preferred ADS means the average of the daily closing price per such security on each of the five consecutive scheduled trading days preceding the earlier of the day preceding the date in question, except that, for purposes of determining the adjustment to the fixed conversion rate for the purposes of clause (4) in the event of a spin-off, the “current market price” per common ADS or preferred ADS means the average of the daily closing price for such security on each of the first ten consecutive scheduled trading days preceding the date in question. If an “ex-date” occurs with respect to any security during any period used in determining that security’s current market price, the closing price of the security on any day prior to the “ex-date” used in calculating the current market price shall be reduced by the amount of the dividend or distribution. For this purpose the amount of any non-cash dividend or distribution will be equal to the value of that dividend as determined by an internationally recognized investment banking firm that we retain for this purpose. If a market disruption event occurs on one or more scheduled trading days during a period in which the current market price is being determined, the daily closing price for the affected scheduled trading day(s) shall be the daily closing price for the first scheduled trading day thereafter on which no market disruption event exists, provided that if the daily closing price cannot be so determined within three (3) scheduled trading days after the first scheduled trading day on which the market disruption event occurred or existed, then instead of using the daily closing price, the price for that day to be used in calculating the current market price shall be the market value of one ADS on such scheduled trading day as an internationally recognized investment bank retained for this purpose by us determines is good faith, which determination shall be conclusive).

 

In the event of (a) any consolidation or merger of Vale with or into another person (other than a merger or consolidation in which Vale is the continuing corporation and in which Vale’s common shares or preferred class A shares outstanding immediately prior to the merger or consolidation are not exchanged for cash, securities or other property of Vale or another person), (b) any sale, transfer, lease or conveyance to another

person of all or substantially all of Vale’s property and assets, (c) any reclassification of Vale’s common shares or preferred class A shares, respectively, into securities including securities other than Vale’s common shares or preferred class A shares, respectively, or any exchange in which Vale preferred class A shares are exchanged for, or converted into, the right to receive Vale common shares, or (d) any statutory exchange of Vale’s common shares or preferred class A shares with another person (other than in connection with a merger or acquisition) (herein referred to as “reorganization events”), each Series VALE-2012 Note or Series VALE.P-2012 Note, respectively, outstanding immediately prior to such reorganization event shall, without the consent of the holders thereof, become convertible into the kind of securities, cash and other property that such holder would have been entitled to receive if such holder had converted its note immediately prior to such reorganization event. Thereafter, on the applicable conversion date, each Series VALE-2012 Note or Series VALE.P-2012 Note, respectively, will be converted into the amount and value of securities, cash or property a holder of one common share or preferred class A share (including in the form of a common ADS or preferred ADS), respectively, would have received in such transaction (without interest thereon and without any right to dividends or distributions thereon which have a record date prior to the date such notes are actually converted, collectively the “exchange property”) multiplied by the applicable conversion rate then in effect. The applicable conversion rate shall be (a) the minimum conversion rate, in the case of an early conversion (see “—Other Conversion Events—Conversion at the Option of the Holder”), or (b) determined based on the definition of the conversion rate in the case of conversion at maturity; in each case, determined using the applicable market value of the exchange property. The applicable market value of the exchange property will be (x) if the exchange property consists of reported securities (as defined below), the average of the daily closing prices on each of the 20 consecutive scheduled trading days immediately preceding the reorganization event, or (y) if the exchange property consists of consideration other than reported securities, the fair market value of the property received per common ADS or preferred ADS (as the case may be) on the date the exchange property is received in connection with the reorganization event, as determined by an internationally recognized investment banking firm that we retain for this purpose. For purposes of the foregoing, the type and amount of consideration that a holder of a Series VALE-2012 Note or Series VALE.P-2012 Note would have been entitled to receive as a holder of Vale common shares or preferred class A shares in the case of any reorganization event or other transaction that causes Vale’s common shares or preferred class A shares to be converted into the right to receive more than a single type of consideration (determined based in part upon any form of stockholder election) will be deemed to be the weighted average of the types and amounts of consideration received by the holders of Vale common shares or preferred class A shares, respectively, that affirmatively make such an election.

 

“Reported securities” are securities that:

 

(1) are:

 

 

 

 

(2) are either:

 

(x) 

perpetual debt or equity securities or

 

 

Holders have the right to convert their notes early in the event of certain cash mergers as described under “—Conversion Upon Cash Acquisition; Cash Acquisition Interest Make-Whole Amount.”

In the event of:

 

 

we will adjust the fixed conversion rates of the Series VALE-2012 Notes or the Series VALE.P-2012 Notes, respectively, in effect immediately before the event triggering the adjustment so that you will be entitled to receive, when we exchange the principal amount of the notes at maturity, the number of common ADSs or preferred ADSs that you would have owned or been entitled to receive immediately following this event had the notes been exchanged for the corresponding ADSs immediately before this event or any record date with respect to it.

 

If Vale common shares or preferred class A shares cease to be represented by American Depositary Receipts issued under a depositary receipt program sponsored by Vale, or the ADSs cease to be listed on the NYSE (and are not at that time listed on another United States national securities exchange), all references in this prospectus supplement to the ADSs relative to the terms of the notes will be deemed to have been replaced by a reference to:

 

 

In addition, we may make such increases in each fixed conversion rate for either series of notes as we deem advisable in order to avoid or diminish any income tax to holders of Vale’s common shares or preferred class A shares resulting from any dividend or distribution of Vale’s shares (or issuance of rights or warrants to acquire Vale shares) or from any event treated as such for tax purposes or for any other reason. We may only make such a discretionary adjustment if we make the same proportionate adjustment to each fixed conversion rate for such note.

 

Adjustments to the conversion rate will be calculated to the nearest 1/10,000th of an ADS. Prior to the earlier of the maturity date and the date of a cash acquisition, no adjustment in the conversion rate will be required unless the adjustment would require an increase or decrease of at least one percent in the conversion rate. If any adjustment is not required to be made because it would not change the conversion rate by at least one percent, then the adjustment will be carried forward and taken into account in any subsequent adjustment; provided, however, that on the earlier of the maturity date and the date of a cash acquisition, adjustments to the conversion rate will be made with respect to any such adjustment carried forward and which has not been taken into account before such date.

 

No adjustment to the conversion rate need be made if holders may participate in the transaction that would otherwise give rise to such adjustment, so long as the distributed assets or securities the holders would receive upon conversion of the notes—if such assets or securities are convertible, exchangeable, or exercisable—are convertible, exchangeable or exercisable, as applicable, without any loss of rights or privileges for a period of at least 45 days following conversion of the notes.

 

The applicable conversion rate will not be adjusted:

 

(a) upon the issuance of any common shares or preferred class A shares pursuant to any present or future plan providing for the reinvestment of dividends or interest payable on Vale’s securities and the investment of additional optional amounts in common shares or preferred class A shares under any plan;

 

(b) upon the issuance of any common shares or preferred class A shares or rights or warrants to purchase those shares pursuant to any present or future employee, director or consultant benefit plan or program of or assumed by Vale or any of its subsidiaries;

(c) upon the issuance of any common shares or preferred class A shares for cash or to acquire another company, or pursuant to any option, warrant, right or exercisable, exchangeable or convertible security outstanding as of the date the applicable notes were first issued;

 

(d) for accrued and unpaid interest.

 

We will be required, as soon as practicable after the conversion rate is adjusted, to provide or cause to be provided written notice of the adjustment to the holders of notes. We will also be required to deliver a statement setting forth in reasonable detail the method by which the adjustment to each fixed conversion rate was determined and setting forth each revised fixed conversion rate.

 

If an adjustment is made to the fixed conversion rates, an inversely proportional adjustment also will be made to the threshold appreciation price and the initial price solely for the purposes of determining which clauses of the definition of the conversion rate will apply on the conversion date. We will have the power to resolve any ambiguity or correct any error in the adjustments described above, and, absent manifest error, our action in so doing, as evidenced by a resolution of our board of directors or authorized committee thereof, will be final and conclusive.

 

Early Redemption

 

We will not be permitted to redeem or cause the conversion of the notes before maturity, except as described under “—Optional Tax Conversion” below.

 

Payment of Additional Amounts

 

Subject to the limitations and exceptions described in “Description of Debt Securities—Payment of Additional Amounts” in the accompanying prospectus, Vale Capital II or Vale will pay such additional amounts as may be necessary to ensure that the net amounts receivable by holders after withholding or deduction for taxes will equal the amounts that would have been payable in the absence of such withholding or deduction. See “Description of Debt Securities—Payment of Additional Amounts” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

Optional Tax Conversion

 

The notes are convertible, in whole but not in part, prior to maturity, upon the occurrence of certain changes in the tax laws of Brazil or the Cayman Islands as a result of which Vale Capital II or Vale becomes obligated to pay additional amounts on the notes in respect of withholding taxes at a rate in excess of 15%, in which case Vale Capital II may redeem the notes in whole but not in part by exchanging the notes into common ADSs or preferred ADSs, as applicable, at the rate described under “—Other Events of Conversion—Conversion Upon Cash Acquisition; Cash Acquisition Interest Make-Whole Amount—Cash Acquisition Conversion Rate.” In addition to the ADSs issued upon conversion, we must pay you in cash the sum of (a) an amount equal to any accrued and unpaid interest on your notes, and (b) the present value of all remaining interest payments on your notes (including deferred interest) through and including the stated maturity date. The present value of the remaining interest payments will be computed using a discount rate equal to the treasury yield (as described under “—Other Events of Conversion—Conversion Upon Cash Acquisition; Cash Acquisition Interest Make-Whole Amount—Cash Acquisition Interest Make-Whole Payment”) plus 50 basis points.

 

See also “Description of Debt Securities—Optional Tax Redemption” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

Cash Settlement in Event of Change of Law

 

If, as a result of any change in the laws of Brazil or the Cayman Islands or change in the rules or regulations of their instrumentalities, it becomes illegal for Vale Capital II or Vale to deliver ADSs upon conversion of the notes of a series, Vale Capital II or Vale will notify the trustee and the Depository Trust Company, known as DTC, and issue a press release informing holders of such change. Immediately following such notice, we may elect to deliver cash in lieu of the ADSs to which holders would otherwise be

entitled upon any conversion. If we elect to deliver cash, the cash amount for each note will be equal to the product of (1) the number of ADSs otherwise deliverable in respect of the note upon such conversion, multiplied by (2) 102% of the applicable price of the ADSs (depending on the type of conversion), subject to adjustment as described under “—Anti-dilution Adjustments.” In the event that a subsequent change in law, rules or regulations removes the illegality of delivering ADSs upon conversion of notes, Vale Capital II or Vale will again notify the trustee and DTC and issue a press release informing holders of such change, and beginning on the 21st business day following the date of such notice, we may resume delivering ADSs upon conversion of the notes.

 

Defeasance and Discharge

 

Full defeasance and discharge and covenant defeasance and discharge, as described in the accompanying prospectus, will apply to the notes, provided that Vale or Vale Capital II, as applicable, must irrevocably deposit in trust for your benefit and the benefit of all other direct holders of the notes the maximum number of applicable ADSs and of any cash, securities and other property that could be deliverable at maturity with respect to each series of notes (based on the maximum conversion rate at the time of deposit), together with a combination of money and U.S. government or U.S. government agency debt securities or bonds that, in the opinion of a firm of nationally recognized independent public accountants, will generate enough cash to make interest and any other payments, including additional amounts, on the notes on their maturity dates.

 

Covenants

 

Holders of the notes will benefit from certain covenants contained in the indenture and affecting the ability of Vale Capital II and Vale to incur liens and merge with other entities. You should read the information under the heading “Description of Debt Securities—Certain Covenants” and “Description of Debt Securities—Additional Terms of the Vale Capital II Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus.

 

Events of Default

 

Holders of the notes will have special rights if an event of default occurs. “Events of default” with respect to a series of notes are defined to include certain failures to make payment on the notes of that series, events of default by Vale or its significant subsidiaries under other debt instruments resulting in acceleration of such debt, failures to comply with certain covenants applicable to the notes after giving of notice and lapse of grace periods, and commencement by Vale, its significant subsidiaries or us of certain bankruptcy or reorganization proceedings or becoming subject to such proceedings. These events of default are described in detail under the heading “Description of Debt Securities—Events of Default” in the accompanying prospectus. Upon an event of default and acceleration of the notes of any series, the notes will automatically convert into common ADSs or preferred ADSs, as applicable, as described under “—Mandatory Conversion.”

 

Further Issuances

 

Vale Capital II reserves the right to issue, from time to time, without the consent of the holders of the notes, additional notes on terms and conditions identical to those of the notes, provided that a sufficient number of authorized common or preferred class A shares is available in addition to the original treasury shares to satisfy the conversion obligations with respect to such additional notes, which additional notes shall increase the aggregate principal amount of, and shall be consolidated and form a single series with, the notes.

 

Additional notes that are treated as a single class for non-tax purposes may be treated as separate issues for U.S. federal income tax purposes. In such case, such additional notes may be considered to have been issued with original issue discount, as defined in the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the U.S. Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, which may affect the market value of the notes, since such additional notes may not be distinguishable from the notes.

 

Vale Capital II may also issue other securities under the indenture that have different terms from the notes. Likewise, Vale has the right, without the consent of the holders, to guarantee any such additional securities, to guarantee debt of its other subsidiaries, and to issue its own debt.

Transfer Agent

 

Vale Capital II may appoint one or more financial institutions to act as its transfer agents, at whose designated offices the notes in certificated form must be surrendered before payment is made at their maturity. Each of those offices is referred to as a transfer agent. The initial transfer agent is the trustee, at its corporate trust office. Vale Capital II may add, replace or terminate transfer agents from time to time, provided that if any notes are issued in certificated form, so long as such notes are outstanding, Vale Capital II will maintain a transfer agent in New York City. Vale Capital II must notify you of changes in the transfer agents. If Vale Capital II issues notes in certificated form, holders of notes in certificated form will be able to transfer their notes, in whole or in part, by surrendering the notes, with a duly completed form of transfer, for registration of transfer at the office of the transfer agent. Vale Capital II will not charge any fee for the registration or transfer or exchange, except that Vale Capital II may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any applicable tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with the transfer.

 

Book-Entry Ownership, Denomination and Transfer Procedures for the Notes

 

The following description of the operations and procedures of DTC supplements the description contained under the heading “Legal Ownership of Debt Securities” in the accompanying prospectus and is provided to you solely as a matter of convenience. You should read this section in conjunction with the information provided in the accompanying prospectus. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of the respective settlement systems and are subject to change from time to time. Vale Capital II and Vale take no responsibility for these operations and procedures and urge you to contact the systems or their participants directly to discuss these matters.

 

Vale Capital II and the trustee will make an application to DTC for acceptance in its book-entry settlement system of the notes, which will be in global form. The notes will be deposited with The Bank of New York Mellon, as custodian. The custodian and DTC will electronically record the principal amount of the notes held within the DTC system. Investors may hold such interests directly through DTC if they are participants in DTC.

 

Ownership of beneficial interests in the notes will be limited to persons who have accounts with DTC, whom we refer to as DTC participants, or persons who hold interests through DTC participants. We expect that under procedures established by DTC:

 

 

As long as DTC or its nominee is the registered holder of the notes, DTC or its nominee will be considered the sole owner and holder of the notes for all purposes under the indenture and the notes. Except as described above, if you hold a book-entry interest in the notes in global form, you:

 

 

As a result, each investor who owns a beneficial interest in the notes must rely on the procedures of DTC to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture (and, if the investor is not a participant or an indirect participant in DTC, on the procedures of the DTC participant through which the investor owns its interest).

 

Payments of the principal of, and interest on, the notes registered in the name of DTC’s nominee will be to the order of its nominee as the registered owner of such notes. It is expected that the nominee, upon receipt

of any such payment, will immediately credit DTC participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the notes as shown on the records of DTC or the nominee. Vale Capital II also expects that payments by DTC participants to owners of beneficial interests in the notes held through such DTC participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now the case with securities held for the accounts of customers registered in the names of nominees for such customers. Such payments will be the responsibility of such DTC participants. Neither Vale Capital II, the trustee or any agent of the trustee will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of ownership interests in the notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such ownership interests.

 

DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of notes (including, without limitation, the presentation of notes for exchange as described above) only at the direction of one or more participants in whose account with DTC interests in notes are credited and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the notes as to which such participant or participants has or have given such direction. However, in the circumstances described below, DTC will surrender the notes for exchange for individual definitive notes.

 

DTC has advised us as follows: DTC is a limited purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a “banking organization” under the laws of the State of New York, a member of the U.S. Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC was created to hold securities for its participants and facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities transactions between participants through electronic computerized book-entry changes in accounts of its participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Direct participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Indirect access to DTC is available to others, such as banks, securities brokers, dealers and trust companies, that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a DTC direct participant, either directly or indirectly.

 

The foregoing information about DTC has been provided for information purposes only and is not intended to serve as a representation, warranty or contract modification of any kind.

 

Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to facilitate transfers of beneficial interests in the notes among participants and accountholders of DTC, they are under no obligation to perform or continue to perform such procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued at any time. Neither Vale Capital II, nor the trustee nor any of the trustee’s agents will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC or its respective direct or indirect participants or accountholders of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.

 

While a note in global form is lodged with DTC or the custodian, notes represented by individual definitive notes will not be eligible for clearing or settlement through DTC.

 

Individual Definitive Notes

 

Registration of title to notes in a name other than DTC or its nominee will not be permitted unless (i) DTC has notified us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the notes in global form or the depositary ceases to be a clearing agency registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, at a time when DTC is required to be so registered in order to act as depositary, and, in each case, we do not or cannot appoint a successor depositary within 90 days or (ii) Vale Capital II decides in its sole discretion to allow some or all book-entry notes to be exchangeable for definitive notes in registered form. In such circumstances, Vale Capital II will cause sufficient individual definitive notes to be executed and delivered to the registrar for completion, authentication and dispatch to the relevant holders of notes. Payments with respect to definitive notes may be made through the transfer agent. A person having an interest in the notes in global form must provide the registrar with a written order containing instructions and such other information as the registrar and we may require to complete, execute and deliver such individual definitive notes.

If Vale Capital II issues notes in certificated form, holders of notes in certificated form will be able to transfer their notes, in whole or in part, by surrendering the notes, with a duly completed form of transfer, for registration of transfer at the office of the transfer agent, The Bank of New York Mellon. Vale Capital II will not charge any fee for the registration or transfer or exchange, except that it may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any applicable tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with the transfer.

 

All money paid by Vale Capital II to the paying agents for the payment of principal and interest on the notes which remains unclaimed at the end of two years after the amount is due to a holder will be repaid to Vale Capital II, and thereafter holders of notes in certificated form may look only to Vale Capital II and Vale for payment.

 

Regarding the Trustee

 

We may maintain banking relationships in the ordinary course of business with the trustee.

 

Governing Law

 

The indenture and the notes are governed by, and shall be construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

For a description of Vale’s common shares and preferred class A shares, see “Item 10. Additional Information—Common Shares and Preferred Shares” of Vale’s annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-15030), which is incorporated by reference into the accompanying prospectus.

 

For a description of Vale’s American Depositary Shares representing common shares and preferred class A shares, see Vale’s registration statements on Form F-6 (File Nos. 333-1314110 and 333-126138), which are incorporated by reference into this prospectus supplement.

 

The following discussion summarizes certain Cayman Islands, Brazilian, and U.S. federal income tax considerations that may be relevant to the ownership and disposition of the notes acquired in this offering for the original price, ADSs acquired through a conversion of such notes, and Vale common or preferred class A shares for which ADSs were exchanged (“Shares”). This summary does not describe all of the tax considerations that may be relevant to you or your situation, particularly if you are subject to special tax rules. You should consult your tax advisors about the tax consequences of holding the notes, including the relevance to your particular situation of the considerations discussed below, as well as of state, local and other tax laws.

 

Cayman Islands Tax Considerations

 

The Cayman Islands currently have no exchange control restrictions and no income, corporate or capital gains tax, estate duty, inheritance tax, gift tax or withholding tax applicable to Vale Capital II or any holder of notes. Accordingly, payment of principal and interest, or other distributions, on the notes will not be subject to taxation in the Cayman Islands, no Cayman Islands withholding tax will be required on such payments to any holder of a note and gains derived from the sale or conversion of notes will not be subject to Cayman Islands capital gains tax. The Cayman Islands are not party to any double taxation treaties.

 

Vale Capital II has applied for and expects to receive an undertaking from the Governor-in-Cabinet of the Cayman Islands that, in accordance with section 6 of the Tax Concession Law (1999 Revision) of the Cayman Islands, for a period of 20 years from the date of the undertaking, no law which is enacted in the Cayman Islands imposing any tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations shall apply to Vale Capital II or its operations and, in addition, that no tax to be levied on profits, income, gains or appreciations or which is in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax shall be payable (i) on the shares, debentures or other obligations of Vale Capital II or (ii) by way of the withholding in whole or in part of a payment of dividend or other distribution of income or capital by Vale Capital II to its members or a payment of principal or interest or other sums due under a debenture or other obligation of Vale Capital II.

 

No stamp duties or similar taxes or charges are payable under the laws of the Cayman Islands in respect of the execution and issue of the notes unless they are executed in or brought within (for example, for the purposes of enforcement) the jurisdiction of the Cayman Islands, in which case stamp duty of 0.25% of the face amount thereof may be payable on each note (up to a maximum of 250 Cayman Islands dollars (“CI$”) (US$312.50)) unless stamp duty of CI$500 (US$625) has been paid in respect of the entire issue of notes.

 

The above conversions of Cayman Islands dollars to U.S. dollars have been made on the basis of US$1.25 = CI$1.00.

 

Brazilian Tax Considerations

 

The following discussion summarizes the main Brazilian tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the notes or ADSs, as the case may be, by a holder that is not domiciled in Brazil for purposes of Brazilian taxation (“Non-Brazilian Holder”). The following discussion does not address all of the Brazilian tax considerations applicable to any particular Non-Brazilian Holder. Therefore, each Non-Brazilian Holder should consult his or her own tax advisor concerning the Brazilian tax consequences of an investment in the notes or ADSs.

 

Any and all references made hereunder with respect to Brazilian tax consequences will only be valid in relation to the ADSs and exceptionally in relation to the notes, in the event of the enforcement of the guarantee under the notes, due to the fact that the guarantor is located in Brazil.

 

Although there is at present no income tax treaty between Brazil and the United States, the tax authorities of the two countries have had discussions that may culminate in such a treaty. No assurance can be given, however, as to whether or when a treaty will enter into force or how it would affect U.S. holders of the notes, Shares or ADSs.

Payments of Interest and Additional Remuneration under the Notes

 

Payments of interest and additional remuneration under the notes by Vale Capital II to Non-Brazilian Holders will not be subject to any Brazilian taxes.

 

Payments of Guarantees under the Notes

 

In the event Vale Capital II defaults on any payment in respect of the notes, under the guarantee Vale will be required to pay such amounts to Non-Brazilian Holders. Payments under the guarantee to a Non-Brazilian Holder may be subject in whole or in part to Brazilian withholding tax at a rate of up to 25%. In that event, Vale would be required to pay such additional amounts as may be necessary to ensure that the net amounts receivable by holders after withholding for taxes will equal the amounts that would have been payable in the absence of such withholding. See “Description of the Notes—Payment of Additional Amounts.”

 

Sale and Conversion of the Notes

 

In the event a Non-Brazilian Holder sells notes, or converts notes into ADSs, such sale or conversion would not trigger any Brazilian tax consequence to the Non-Brazilian Holder.

 

Dividends on Shares and ADSs

 

Dividends paid by us, including stock dividends and other dividends paid in property, to the depositary or to a Non-Brazilian Holder with respect to Vale shares represented by ADSs, are currently exempt from withholding tax in Brazil to the extent that the dividends are paid out of profits generated as of January 1, 1996.

 

Payments of Interest on Shareholders’ Equity on Shares and ADSs

 

Brazilian corporations may distribute to shareholders interest on shareholders’ equity. These distributions may be paid in cash. Such payments represent a deductible expense from the payor’s corporate income tax and social contribution tax basis. This interest is limited to the daily pro rata variation of the Federal Government’s long-term interest rate, as determined by the Central Bank from time to time, and cannot exceed the greater of:

 

 

Any payment of interest on shareholders’ equity to shareholders (including holders of ADSs) is subject to withholding tax at a rate of 15%, or 25% if the Non-Brazilian Holder is a Tax Haven Holder. A Tax Haven Holder is a Non-Brazilian Holder that is domiciled in a jurisdiction that does not impose income tax or where the maximum income tax rate is lower than 20% or where the local legislation imposes restrictions on disclosing the shareholding composition or the ownership of the investment. In addition, Law 11,727, of June 23, 2008, or Law 11,727, introduced a broader concept of tax haven jurisdiction, known as a privileged tax regime, applicable to transactions subject to Brazilian transfer pricing rules. Due to the recent enactment of this Law and the lack of relevant regulation issued by the Brazilian tax authorities, it is not clear whether this privileged tax regime concept will also be applied to non-resident investors such as Non-Brazilian Holders to treat them as Tax Haven Holders. Holders are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors from time to time about the changes implemented by Law 11,727 and by any Brazilian tax law or regulation with respect to the concept of tax haven jurisdiction. If the tax authorities determine that payments of interest on shareholders’ equity made to a Non-Brazilian Holder will benefit from a privileged tax regime, the 25% withholding income tax rate applicable to Tax Haven Holders may apply to such Non-Brazilian Holders on such payments.

To the extent that payments of interest on shareholders’ equity are intended to be included in full as part of a mandatory dividend, Vale would be required to distribute an additional amount to ensure that the net amount received by shareholders, after payment of the applicable withholding tax, is at least equal to the amount of dividends that would be received by shareholders in the absence of the applicable withholding tax.

 

Distributions of interest on shareholders’ equity to Non-Brazilian Holders may be converted into U.S. dollars and remitted outside Brazil, subject to applicable exchange controls, to the extent that the investment is registered with the Central Bank.

 

The Board of Directors of Vale has discretion to determine whether future distributions should be made by means of dividends or interest on shareholders’ equity and in what proportions.

 

Sale of ADSs by a Non-Resident of Brazil to Another Non-Resident of Brazil

 

The sale of property located in Brazil involving non-resident investors is subject to Brazilian income tax. We have been advised that ADSs do not qualify as property located in Brazil and, thus, should not be subject to the Brazilian withholding tax. However, due to the lack of any administrative or judicial guidance, there is no assurance that such position would prevail.

 

Gains on the Exchange of ADSs for Shares

 

ADS holders may exchange ADSs for Shares. Such exchange is not subject to Brazilian tax. Non-Brazilian Holders may exchange their ADSs for the underlying Shares, sell such Shares on a Brazilian stock exchange and remit abroad the proceeds of the sale within five business days from the date of exchange (in reliance on the depositary’s electronic registration), with no tax consequences.

 

Upon receipt of the underlying Shares in exchange for ADSs, Non-Brazilian Holders may elect to register the U.S. dollar value of such Shares with the Central Bank as a foreign portfolio investment under the rules of the Brazilian Monetary Counsel. In this case, potential gains from the sale or disposition of the Shares would generally be exempt from Brazilian income tax. Alternatively, the Non-Brazilian Holder is also entitled to register the U.S. dollar value of such Shares with the Central Bank as a foreign direct investment. In case the Non-Brazilian Holder elects to register the U.S. dollar value of the Shares received as a result of the exchange of ADSs as a foreign direct investment, capital gains tax at a rate of 15%, or 25% if the Non-Brazilian Holder is a Tax Haven Holder, will be imposed at the time of sale or disposition of such Shares. Non-Brazilian Holders who choose not to register the dollar value of Shares with the Central Bank should consult their own tax advisors as to the consequences of the lack of such registration.

 

Taxation of Foreign Exchange Transactions

 

Brazilian law imposes the IOF/Exchange on the conversion of reais into foreign currency and on the conversion of foreign currency into reais. Currently, the IOF/Exchange rate for almost all foreign currency exchange transactions is 0.38%. The Brazilian government is permitted to increase this rate at any time up to 25%. Any such increase in rates may only apply to future transactions.

 

However, foreign exchange transactions carried out by a non-resident of Brazil for investments in the Brazilian financial and capital markets under the rules of the Brazilian Monetary Council are currently subject to IOF/Exchange at a zero rate, including foreign exchange transactions in connection with payment of dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity with respect to Shares and ADSs. Nevertheless, IOF/Exchange will be levied at a rate of 0.38% on payments of dividends and interest on shareholders’ equity made to a Non-Brazilian Holder with respect to Shares in case such Non-Brazilian Holder chooses to register the Shares with the Central Bank as a foreign direct investment. In any case, the Brazilian government may increase such rates at any time up to 25%. Any such increase in rates may only apply to future transactions.

 

Taxation of Bonds and Securities Transaction

 

Tax on Financial Transactions, or IOF/Securities, may be imposed on any transaction involving bonds and securities, even if the transaction is carried out on Brazilian stock, futures or commodities exchanges.

Transactions involving ADSs carried out outside Brazil are not subject to IOF/Securities. The rate of IOF/Securities with respect to transactions in Shares is currently zero, although the executive branch may increase such rate up to 1.5% per day of the life of the securities, but only with respect to future transactions relating to Shares.

 

Other Brazilian Taxes

 

Some Brazilian states impose gift and inheritance tax on gifts or bequests made by individuals or entities not domiciled or residing in Brazil to individuals or entities domiciled or residing within such states. There are no Brazilian stamp, issue, registration, or similar taxes or duties payable by holders of Shares or ADSs.

 

Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consideration

 

The following summary describes certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of the notes acquired in this offering for the original price, ADSs acquired through a conversion of such notes, and Shares. This summary only applies to notes, ADSs and Shares held as capital assets and does not discuss all the tax consequences that may be relevant to a U.S. holder in light of its particular circumstances or to U.S. holders subject to special rules, such as

 

 

Moreover, this description does not address the U.S. federal estate and gift tax or alternative minimum tax consequences of the acquisition, ownership or retirement of notes and ADSs. Each prospective purchaser should consult its tax adviser with respect to the U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of notes.

 

For purposes of this summary, a “U.S. holder” is a beneficial owner of the notes or ADSs who for U.S. federal income tax purposes is:

 

 

If a partnership (or any other entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds the notes or ADSs, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Such a partner or partnership should consult its tax adviser as to its tax consequences.

 

Currently each ADS represents one Vale common or preferred class A share, as the case may be. If in the future, however, ADSs were to represent other securities or property as well, as described under

“—Description of the Notes, Mandatory Conversion,” a different treatment may apply for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and persons considering whether to purchase the notes should consult their own tax advisers in that respect.

 

This description is based on the Code, existing, proposed and temporary U.S. Treasury Regulations and judicial and administrative interpretations thereof, in each case as in effect and available on the date hereof. All of the foregoing are subject to change (possibly with retroactive effect) or differing interpretations which could affect the tax consequences described herein.

 

No statutory, judicial or administrative authority directly addresses the characterization of the notes or instruments similar to the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a result, significant aspects of the U.S. federal income tax consequences of an investment in the notes are not certain. No ruling is being requested from the IRS with respect to the Notes and no assurance can be given that the IRS will agree with the conclusions expressed herein. ACCORDINGLY, A PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR (INCLUDING A TAX-EXEMPT INVESTOR) IN THE NOTES SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR IN DETERMINING THE TAX CONSEQUENCES OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION OF STATE, LOCAL OR OTHER TAX LAWS AND THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN TAX LAWS.

 

Characterization of the Notes

 

We intend to treat the notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a prepaid forward contract written by Vale Capital II to purchase Vale ADSs, under the terms of which contract the holder (i) makes an upfront payment to Vale Capital II of the purchase price for the Vale ADSs in an amount equal to the purchase price of the notes, (ii) receives payments of interest and additional remuneration until maturity of the notes or an early conversion, and (iii) upon maturity or early conversion takes delivery of the number of Vale ADSs that the holder is entitled to receive at that time pursuant to the terms of the notes. Except as specifically indicated otherwise, the remainder of this discussion assumes the correctness of such treatment.

 

Distributions on Notes

 

Although the U.S. federal income tax characterization of current payments of interest and additional remuneration on the notes is not clear, a U.S. holder of the note should expect that such amounts (including any additional amounts) will be included as ordinary income as such amounts are paid or accrued in accordance with the holder’s method of accounting.

 

Distributions on the notes paid to a U.S. holder in a foreign currency will be included in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of receipt of the distribution, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. If the payment is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of actual or constructive receipt, the U.S. holder generally will not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the distribution. The U.S. holder may have foreign currency gain or loss taxable as ordinary gain or loss if the amount of such distribution is not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of its actual or constructive receipt, but is converted subsequently.

 

Current distributions on the notes will constitute foreign source income for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, with certain exceptions, will be treated separately, as “passive category income” or in the case of certain U.S. holders, “general category income,” for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable under the United States federal income tax laws. Although, as discussed above, it is not anticipated that any Cayman Islands withholding taxes will be imposed on distributions on the notes, if any such Cayman Islands taxes are paid in respect of distributions on the notes, a U.S. holder may be eligible, subject to a number of limitations (including certain holding period requirements), for a foreign tax credit against such U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. The rules relating to foreign tax credits and the timing thereof are extremely complex, and U.S. holders should consult their tax advisers with regard to the availability of foreign tax credits and the application of the foreign tax credit limitations to their particular situations.

Sale, Exchange, Redemption, or Other Taxable Disposition of Notes

 

Except as provided below under “—Conversion of Notes,” upon a sale, exchange, redemption, or other taxable disposition of a note, a U.S. holder will generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the amount of cash increased by the fair market value of other property received by the U.S. holder (and possibly reduced by an amount attributable to accrued interest or accrued but unpaid additional remuneration, which would be taxable in the manner described above under “—Distributions on Notes”); and (ii) the U.S. holder’s tax basis in the note. A U.S. holder’s tax basis in a note will generally be equal to the amount that the U.S. holder paid for the note. We intend to take the position that a note is an instrument any gain or loss recognized on a taxable disposition of which is capital gain or loss, and is long term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’s holding period for the note is more than one year at the time of the disposition. Long term capital gains recognized by individual U.S. holders are generally subject to a reduced tax rate under current law. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations.

 

Conversion of Notes

 

Under the above characterization of the notes, if Vale Capital II delivers ADSs at maturity or on early conversion to a U.S. holder, the U.S. holder will recognize no gain or loss on the purchase of the ADSs by application of the monies received by Vale Capital II in respect of the notes. The U.S. holder will have a tax basis in such ADSs equal to the U.S. holder’s tax basis in the notes (less the portion of the tax basis of the notes allocable to any fractional ADS, as described in the next sentence). The U.S. holder will recognize gain or loss (which may be short-term capital gain or loss) with respect to cash received in lieu of fractional ADSs, in an amount equal to the difference between the cash received and the portion of the basis of the notes allocable to fractional ADS (based on the relative number of fractional ADS and full ADS delivered to the U.S. holder).

 

Possible Alternative Characterization of the Notes

 

Due to the absence of authority as to the proper characterization of the notes and the absence of any comparable instruments for which there is a widely accepted tax treatment, no assurance can be given that the IRS will accept, or that a court will uphold, the characterization and tax treatment described above. For example, under one alternative characterization, the IRS could seek to treat the notes as subject to the Treasury regulations governing contingent payment debt instruments, which would affect the timing and character of income, gain and loss recognized by a U.S. holder. Such treatment could result in adverse tax consequences and thus adversely affect the value of the notes. Therefore, U.S. holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding possible alternative characterizations of the notes, and the resulting tax consequences.

 

Exchange of ADSs for Shares or vice versa

 

The exchange of ADSs for Shares, or vice versa, is not a taxable event for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

Distributions on ADSs or Shares

 

Subject to the discussion below under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations,” distributions paid on the Shares or ADSs (including interest on shareholders’ equity and any additional amounts), other than certain pro rata distributions of such Shares or ADSs, will be treated as dividend income to the extent such distributions are paid out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. Such dividends will not be eligible for the dividends received deduction generally allowed to corporate U.S. holders. Subject to certain exceptions for short-term and hedge positions, dividend received by certain U.S. holders (including individuals) prior to January 1, 2011 with respect to Shares or ADSs will be qualified dividend income, generally eligible for the preferential rates of U.S. federal income tax currently in effect, provided that, (i) in the year the dividend is received, the Shares or ADSs with respect to which the dividend is paid are readily tradable on an established securities market in the

United States, and (ii) Vale was not in the year prior to the year in which distributions on the notes were made, and is not in the year in which the distributions are made a PFIC. The ADSs are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and will qualify as readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States so long as they are so listed. Based on existing guidance, it is not entirely clear whether dividends received with respect to the Shares will be treated as qualified dividends, because the Shares are not themselves listed on a U.S. exchange. In addition, the U.S. Treasury has announced its intention to promulgate rules pursuant to which U.S. holders of ADSs or Shares and intermediaries through whom such securities are held will be permitted to rely on certifications from issuers to establish that dividends are treated as qualified dividends. Because such procedures have not yet been issued, it is not clear whether we will be able to comply with them. U.S. holders of ADSs and Shares should consult their own tax advisers regarding the availability of the reduced dividend tax rate in the light of their own particular circumstances.

 

Dividends on ADSs or Shares paid in a foreign currency will be included in your gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes in a U.S. dollar amount calculated by reference to the exchange rate in effect on the date of actual or constructive receipt of the dividend, regardless of whether the payment is in fact converted into U.S. dollars. If the dividend is converted into U.S. dollars on the date of actual or constructive receipt, you generally will not be required to recognize foreign currency gain or loss in respect of the dividend income. You may have foreign currency gain or loss taxable as ordinary gain or loss if the amount of such dividend is not converted into U.S. dollars on the date of its actual or constructive receipt, but is converted subsequently.

 

Dividends on ADSs or Shares will constitute foreign source income for United States federal income tax purposes and, with certain exceptions, will be treated separately, as “passive category income” or in the case of certain U.S. holders, “general category income,” for purposes of computing the foreign tax credit allowable under the United States federal income tax laws. If any Brazilian taxes are paid in respect of distributions on ADSs or Shares, a U.S. holder may be eligible, subject to a number of limitations (including certain holding period requirements), for a foreign tax credit against such U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability. The rules relating to foreign tax credits and the timing thereof are extremely complex, and U.S. holders should consult their tax advisers with regard to the availability of foreign tax credits and the application of the foreign tax credit limitations to their particular situations.

 

To the extent that the amount of any distribution exceeds the current and accumulated earnings and profits of Vale for a taxable year, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles, the distribution will be first treated as a tax-free return of capital, causing a reduction, but not below zero, in the adjusted basis of our Shares or ADSs (thereby increasing the amount of gain, or decreasing the amount of loss, to be recognized on a sale or exchange (as discussed below under “—Sale, Exchange, Redemption, or Other Taxable Disposition of ADSs or Shares”)), and the amount in excess of the adjusted basis will be treated as gain described below in “—Sale, Exchange, Redemption, or Other Taxable Disposition of ADSs or Shares”. Vale expects that any distributions would be out of its current or accumulated earnings and profits and will therefore be treated as dividends.

 

Distributions of our Shares or ADSs that are received as part of a pro rata distribution to all of our shareholders generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income taxes.

 

Sale, Exchange, Redemption, or Other Taxable Disposition of ADSs or Shares

 

In general, redemptions that do not result in a significant decrease of a shareholder’s interest in Vale may be treated as distributions for United States federal income tax purposes. Except to the extent that a redemption is treated as a distribution for United States federal income tax purposes, and subject to the discussion below under “—Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations,” upon a sale, exchange, redemption, or other taxable disposition of Shares or ADSs, a U.S. holder will generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between (i) the amount of cash and the fair market value of other property received by the U.S. holder and (ii) the U.S. holder’s tax basis in the ADSs. A U.S. holder’s tax basis in the ADSs will generally be equal to the amount that the U.S. holder paid for the note. Any such gain or loss recognized on a taxable disposition of an ADS will be capital gain or loss, and will be long term capital gain or loss if the

U.S. holder’s holding period for the note is more than one year at the time of the disposition. Long term capital gains recognized by individual U.S. holders are generally subject to a reduced tax rate under current law. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitations. Capital gain or loss recognized by a U.S. holder generally will be treated as U.S. source income or loss for U.S. foreign tax credit purposes. Consequently, you may not be able to use the foreign tax credit arising from any Brazilian tax imposed on the disposition of a note unless such credit can be applied (subject to applicable limitations) against tax due on other income treated as derived from foreign sources.

 

Passive Foreign Investment Company Considerations

 

A non-U.S. corporation will be classified as a “passive foreign investment company” (“PFIC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes in any taxable year in which, after applying certain look-through rules, either (1) at least 75 percent of its gross income is “passive income” or (2) at least 50 percent of the average value of its gross assets is attributable to assets that produce “passive income” or are held for the production of “passive income.” Passive income for this purpose generally includes dividends, interest, royalties, rents and gains from commodities and securities transactions.

 

Based on certain estimates of Vale’s gross income and gross assets and the nature of Vale’s business, Vale believes that Vale was not classified as a PFIC for its taxable year ending December 31, 2008, and Vale does not expect to be classified as a PFIC for its taxable year ending December 31, 2009. Vale’s status in future years will depend on Vale’s assets and activities in those years. Vale has no reason to believe that its assets or activities will change in a manner that would cause it to be classified as a PFIC in the future, but there can be no assurance that Vale will not be considered a PFIC for any taxable year. If Vale were a PFIC, a U.S. holder of notes, ADSs or Shares generally would be subject to imputed interest charges and other disadvantageous tax treatment with respect to any gain from the sale or exchange of, and certain distributions with respect to, the notes. In addition, gain from the sale or other taxable disposition of the notes would be taxed at ordinary income tax rates.

 

Information Reporting and Backup Withholding

 

Payment on the notes, ADSs or Shares and sales proceeds that are made within the United States or through certain U.S.-related financial intermediaries generally are subject to information reporting and to backup withholding unless (i) you are a corporation or other exempt recipient or (ii) in the case of backup withholding, you provide a correct taxpayer identification number and certify that you are not subject to backup withholding.

 

The amount of any backup withholding from a payment to you will be allowed as a credit against your U.S. federal income tax liability and may entitle you to a refund, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

 

Vale Capital II intends to offer the notes through Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc. as underwriters. Subject to the terms and conditions contained in a terms agreement among the underwriters, Vale Capital II and Vale, Vale Capital II has agreed to sell to the underwriters and the underwriters have agreed to purchase from Vale Capital II, the number of notes listed below.

 

 

The underwriters have agreed to purchase all of the notes sold pursuant to the terms agreement if any of these notes are purchased.

 

Vale Capital II and Vale have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute to payments the underwriter may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

 

Vale has agreed that, subject to certain customary exceptions, Vale will not, and will not permit its controlled subsidiaries to, during a period of 60 days from the date of this Prospectus Supplement, without the written consent of Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., directly or indirectly, issue, sell, offer or contract to sell, grant any option or warrant for the sale of, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, any common shares, common ADSs, preferred class A shares or preferred ADSs of Vale or any securities convertible into the common shares, common ADSs, preferred class A shares or preferred ADSs of Vale.

 

The underwriters are offering the notes, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the notes, and other conditions contained in the terms agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officers’ certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

 

Commissions and discounts

 

The underwriters have advised Vale Capital II that they propose initially to offer the notes to the public at the public offering price on the cover page of this prospectus. After the initial public offering, the public offering price may be changed. The following table shows the underwriting discounts and commissions that we are to pay to the underwriters in connection with the offering (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount of the notes).

 

 

The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated to be US$ and are payable by Vale Capital II.

 

Trading market

 

Application will be made to list the notes on the New York Stock Exchange in accordance with the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange, subject to satisfaction of its minimum listing standards. Vale Capital II does not intend to apply for listing of the notes on any other securities exchange or for quotation of the notes on any automated dealer quotation system. Vale and Vale Capital II have been advised by the underwriters that they currently intend to make a market in the notes after completion of the offering. However, they are under no obligation to do so and may discontinue any market-making activities at any time without any notice. Vale and Vale Capital II cannot assure the liquidity of the trading market for the notes or

that an active public market for the notes will develop. If an active public trading market for the notes does not develop, the market price and liquidity of the notes may be adversely affected.

 

Price stabilization and short positions

 

In connection with the offering, the underwriters are permitted to engage in transactions that stabilize the market price of the notes. Such transactions consist of bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain the price of the notes. If the underwriters create a short position in the notes in connection with the offering, i.e., if they sell more notes than are on the cover page of this prospectus, the underwriters may reduce that short position by purchasing notes in the open market. Purchases of a security to stabilize the price or to reduce a short position could cause the price of the security to be higher than it might be in the absence of such purchases.

 

Neither Vale and Vale Capital II nor the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the notes. In addition, neither Vale and Vale Capital II nor the underwriter make any representation that the underwriter will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

 

EEA and other selling restrictions

 

EEA

 

In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a “relevant member state”), each underwriter has represented and agreed that with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive (as defined below) is implemented in that relevant member state (the “relevant implementation date”) it has not made and will not make an offer of the notes to the public in that relevant member state prior to the publication of a prospectus in relation to the notes which has been approved by the competent authority in that relevant member state or, where appropriate, approved in another relevant member state and notified to the competent authority in that relevant member state, all in accordance with the Prospectus Directive, except that it may, with effect from and including the relevant implementation date, make an offer of the notes to the public in that relevant member state at any time (i) to legal entities which are authorized or regulated to operate in the financial markets or, if not so authorized or regulated, whose corporate purpose is solely to invest in securities; (ii) to any legal entity which has two or more of (1) an average of at least 250 employees during the last financial year; (2) a total balance sheet of more than €43,000,000 and (3) an annual net turnover of more than €50,000,000, as shown in its last annual or consolidated accounts; or (iii) in any other circumstances which do not require the publication by Vale Capital II of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive.

 

For the purposes of this section, the expression an “offer of the notes to the public” in relation to any notes in any relevant member state means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the notes to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the notes, as the same may be varied in that member state by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that member state, and references to the “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union of November 4, 2003, and includes any relevant implementing measure in each relevant member state.

 

United Kingdom

 

Each underwriter has represented and agreed that:

 

 

 

Brazil and the Cayman Islands

 

Each underwriter has represented and agreed that it has not offered or sold and will not offer or sell the notes publicly (as defined for purposes of the securities laws of Brazil or the Cayman Islands, as the case may be) in Brazil or the Cayman Islands.

 

Other relationships

 

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., an affiliate of one of the underwriters, is the deposit agent under the deposit agreements for the ADSs. In addition, the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with Vale and its subsidiaries. They have received customary fees and commissions for these transactions.

 

The validity of the notes, including the guarantees, offered and sold in this offering will be passed upon for Vale Capital II and Vale by Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP. Certain matters of Cayman Islands law relating to the notes will be passed upon by Harney, Westwood & Riegels, Cayman Islands counsel for Vale and Vale Capital II. Certain matters of Brazilian law relating to the notes will be passed upon by Mr. Fabio Eduardo de Pieri Spina, Brazilian counsel for Vale and Vale Capital II. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for the underwriters by Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Pinheiro Guimarães will pass upon certain matters of Brazilian law relating to the notes for the underwriters.

 

The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the information we file with it, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this prospectus supplement, and certain later information that we file with the SEC will automatically update and supersede earlier information filed with the SEC or included in this prospectus supplement and in the accompanying prospectus. We have incorporated by reference various documents in the accompanying prospectus. In addition, we incorporate into this prospectus supplement the following documents:

 

 

We will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of this prospectus supplement is delivered, upon the written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or all of the documents referred to above which have been or may be incorporated herein by reference, other than exhibits to such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in such documents). Requests should be directed to the Investor Relations Department, Avenida Graça Aranha, No. 26, 12th floor, 20030-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil (telephone no: 55 21-3814-4540).

 

Vale Capital II

 

US$     % Guaranteed Notes, Series VALE-2012

Mandatorily Convertible into American Depositary Shares,

each representing one common share of Vale S.A.

 

 US$     % Guaranteed Notes, Series VALE.P-2012

Mandatorily Convertible into American Depositary Shares,

each representing one preferred class A share of Vale S.A.

 

Unconditionally Guaranteed by

 

Vale S.A.

 

 

 

PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT

 

 

Citi

 

J.P. Morgan

 

 

July  , 2009