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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%