SAO PAULO, July 31 (Reuters) - Brazilian miner Vale

reported on Thursday a 24% decline in its

second-quarter net profit from a year earlier to $2.12 billion,

while still outperforming analyst expectations.

Analysts polled by LSEG had expected Vale to post a $1.44

billion net profit for the quarter ended in June.

The miner matched analyst expectations for revenue, posting

$8.8 billion.

Revenue declined in Vale's key iron ore segment compared

to a year ago, hurt by smaller sales volumes and lower prices,

but grew in both copper and nickel.

At the same time, all-in costs decreased from last year

in each category - 10% in iron ore, 60% in copper and 30% in

nickel - due to efficiency measures and higher output.

Vale also said it spent $200 million less this quarter

than a year before, keeping it on track to meet its 2025

guidance of $5.9 billion.