Vale is a leading producer of nickel, and also of copper, cobalt and precious metals. Vale as operations around the world including in Thompson, Manitoba. The Thompson complex includes three mines. Two of these operations are underground ? the Thompson Mine and Birchtree Mine. The third mine, the Thompson Open Pit, is above ground. The Thompson complex also includes a mill, smelter and refinery, which turn raw nickel into a range of products for industrial customers all around the world.