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Acquisitions and divestitures - Heads of Agreement (Details) - Mitsui & Co., Ltd - Heads of Agreement - USD ($) $ in Millions |  | 1 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended
--- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2020 | Jan. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020
Nacala Corridor |  |  |
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items] |  |  |
Outstanding balance of project finance | $ 2,500 |  | $ 2,500
Vale Mocambique |  |  |
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items] |  |  |
Percentage of ownership interest sold |  | 15.00% |
Nacala Logistics Corridor |  |  |
Disclosure of non-adjusting events after reporting period [line items] |  |  |
Percentage of ownership interest sold |  | 50.00% |

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