There are different theories about the origin of the globalization process, but this phenomenon has been changing trade relations and business environment in recent decades in various industries. In the case of the global mining industry, globalization has changed the competitive environment, making their (players) seek new ways to gain competitive advantage. In this scenario, Vale, which had not developed industrial activities outside Brazil, limiting their internationalization efforts to export its production of iron ore and pellets, now expand its business in foreign markets, either through research or minerals establishing manufacturing plants in several countries. By acting like a globalized firm, Vale is facing new threats and have access to new opportunities to maximize their results.Thus, this study aims to assess whether the strategic international alliances and other linkages (e.g. Murder and Aquisictions) established by Vale are contributing to the company to reduce threats and seize opportunities that emerged with the globalization of its activities, using a perspective relevant to the network theory. Based on the methodology of case study and supported by triangulation of methods strategy, the research data were collected through documental / telematic investigations, surveys of perceptions with the aid of highly-structured questionnaire and additional interviews. The interpretation and analysis of data were based on theoretical, supported by a review of relevant literature in the study area, with the aid of SNA model of Macedo Soares (2002), both from the (traditional) and (relational) perspective.The results of this study showed the positive implications of Vale’s international strategic alliances, on the industry level, indicating that it have been contributing for Vale to optimize opportunities and to minimize threats of its competitive environment. This study confirmed the importance of the (relational) analysis in the strategic implications assessment, suggesting further research in the area.