Vale Base Metals has started operating a second furnace at its Onça Puma ferronickel complex in Brazil. 

The new furnace increases the site's nickel production capacity by 60%, raising its total annual output to 40,000 tons. This expansion positions Onça Puma as Brazil's largest ferronickel operation and is expected to lower production costs.

Despite current low nickel prices,  CEO Shaun Usmar stated this move puts the company in a strong position for a market recovery. 

The project was completed for $480 million, under its original budget.