Vale SA struck down a report published in O Globo, a Brazilian newspaper, which cited sources as saying that the mining major was in negotiations with Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional, or CSN, to buy the Casa de Pedra iron ore mine in Brazil.

The company, in an Aug. 4 statement, clarified that there were never any discussions to acquire assets from the Brazilian company.

O Globo wrote that Vale and CSN were examining a partnership that involved purchasing a stake or creating a joint venture with CSN unit Congonhas Minérios, RTT News reported Aug. 6.

Congonhas Minérios operates the Casa de Pedra and Engenho e Pires mines in Brazil's Minas Gerais state.