The Brazil-based miner had warned of a possible 800,000 tonne impact on sales this quarter if it had to close the distribution centre due to restrictions designed to halt the spread of the coronavirus.

TRMT had handled 23.7 million tonnes of iron ore shipped in 2019.

"Vale is in communication with the government and working on a contingency plan to keep the terminal operating, while safeguarding its employees and contractors and in compliance with all the requirements made by the Malaysian authorities," it said.

Miner to supply test kits, masks

Meanwhile Vale said it had bought 5 million COVID-19 rapid test kits from China and would deliver them to the Brazil government, along with protective equipment including gloves and masks.

"We are making use of our logistics network in Asia to bring equipment to Brazil that may make a difference in the lives of people," CEO Eduardo Bartolomeo said.

Vale expected the first shipment of 1 million kits to be delivered to the company in China this Friday and arrive in Brazil early next week.

The miner has taken several precautionary measures in the face of the pandemic, including mothballing Voisey's Bay in Canada for four weeks and sending the majority of corporate office staff to work from home.

Vale closed 3.3% lower on Friday, at the lower end of a one-year range, and is capitalised about BRL186 billion (US$36.7 billion).