United States
Securities and Exchange Commission

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 6-K

Report of Foreign Private Issuer
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16
of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the month of

September 2007

Companhia Vale do Rio Doce

Avenida Graça Aranha, No. 26
20030-900 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
(Address of principal executive office)

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.)

(Check One) Form 20-F þ Form 40-F ___

 

(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1))

(Check One) Yes o No þ
 

(Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7))

(Check One) Yes o No þ
 

(Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.)

(Check One) Yes o No þ
 

(If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b). 82-___.)

Table of Contents

Press Release
Signature Page

Press Release

CVRD will exploit natural gas

Rio de Janeiro, September 12, 2007 — Companhia Vale do Rio Doce (CVRD) announces that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with Shell Brasil Ltda (Shell) to jointly evaluate opportunities and develop partnerships aiming to meet CVRD ´s energy consumption needs.

The memorandum of understanding also includes the possibility of participating in exploration blocks in the Espírito Santo basin, off the Brazilian Southeastern Coast, where Shell already has interests.

At the same time, CVRD is evaluating opportunities to acquire some other areas already under concession for the exploration of natural gas. The Company is gearing up to participate in the next round of public tenders for the exploration of hydrocarbons to be conducted by Agência Nacional do Petróleo (ANP), the Brazilian regulatory agency for the oil industry.

As a major energy consumer, CVRD is seeking to diversify and optimize its energy grid through increased use of thermal coal, renewable fuels and natural gas.

For further information, please contact:
+55-21-3814-4540
Roberto Castello Branco: [email protected]
Alessandra Gadelha: [email protected]
Marcus Thieme: [email protected]
Marcelo Silva Braga: [email protected]
Patricia Calazans: [email protected]
Theo Penedo: [email protected]

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.