Jan 23 (Reuters) - Brazilian miner Vale SA's ( VALE ) Canadian unit said on Thursday

it has launched a strategic review, which could include a potential sale, for its mining and

exploration assets in Manitoba.

In the Canadian province of Manitoba, Vale Base Metals produces critical minerals such as

copper and nickel, which are used extensively in electric vehicle batteries.

The assets under review are located in the Thompson nickel belt and include two underground

mines and an adjacent mill along with other exploration opportunities, Vale said.

Expected to conclude in the second half of 2025, the review is part of a process to optimize

Vale's global portfolio to enable copper growth in the Carajas region in Brazil.

"This process is aimed at seeing if a new owner may be better suited to invest the capital

and resources needed to unlock the vast mineral potential (of the Manitoba assets)," said Shaun

Usmar, CEO of the Canadian subsidiary.

Vale Base Metals said it produced 10,500 metric tons of finished nickel in Thompson during

the 12-month period ending in the third quarter of 2024.