English 
Spanish 
3 min read
0 comments
Valore Metals is betting on the extraction of platinum and palladium in Pedra Branca, targeting the green hydrogen and hybrid vehicle industries. Learn more about this innovative project and its economic and environmental implications
the canadian Valore Metals Corp, through its subsidiary Pedra Branca do Brasil Mineração Ltda, is revolutionizing the industry mining In Ceara. With a robust investment of R $ million 35, the company has focused on the exploration of platinum and palladium since 2019. The research, carried out in Pedra Branca, Boa Viagem, Mombaça and Tauá, totals an impressive 23 thousand meters of surveys. According to the geologist and general manager of the project, Thiago Diniz, “After we complete the ore processing tests in 2024, we will enter the economic viability phase”, according to diariodonordeste.
Economic impacts and job creation in Ceará
Currently, the mining company generates around 20 direct jobs, with the expectation of expanding as the project progresses. Furthermore, Brazil has the chance to stand out in the production of platinum and palladium, vital metals for the manufacture of catalysts in hybrid and combustion vehicles. “Our project in Pedra Branca could be a pioneer on a larger scale in Latin America”, says Thiago Diniz.
The success of the project would not only put Brazil on the precious metals mining map, but would also bring significant benefits to the local economy. Ceará, with its mineral wealth and diversity, has a unique opportunity to contribute to the production chain of renewable energy sources.
- Mobile Platform JingJin: The revolution in mobile filtration to reduce risks, costs and environmental impacts in Brazilian mining
- Japan has discovered enough cobalt and nickel reserves to meet its mining needs for the next 90 years, and the most incredible thing is where they are located
- The world's deepest gold mine: A 3,8km dive into the Earth's interior reveals extreme riches and challenges
- New largest lithium reserve on the planet discovered!? With 30 million tons, historic find could redefine markets and make mining history
Environmental licensing process
Obtaining environmental licenses is a crucial step for the continuity of the project in Ceará. A State Superintendence for the Environment (Semace) divides licensing into two phases: Preliminary and Installation License (LPI) and Operation License (LO). In the LPI phase, the environmental viability and installation conditions of the project are assessed. The criteria include proximity to conservation units, water resources, inhabited areas and environmental liabilities.
After verifying compliance with LPI requirements, the Operating License authorizes the operation of the activity. This process can take six months to a year, depending on the complexity of the project.
Challenges and opportunities
the exploitation of platen e palladium is not without challenges. Environmental impacts are varied and include changes in air and water quality, formation of erosion processes and loss of natural habitats. However, Valore Metals is committed to mitigating these effects by adopting sustainable mining practices.
Furthermore, the company is keeping an eye on the green hydrogen industry in Ceará. Platinum and palladium are essential for the electrolysis process, crucial for the production of green hydrogen, a promising energy alternative.
The future of mining in Ceará
With the tests completed and economic viability confirmed, the next step will be environmental licensing. “If everything goes well, we can move forward with the operation in the coming years”, highlights Thiago Diniz. Valore Metals plans to supply metal concentrates to the main consumer industries, although there is still no defined deadline for the start of operations.
In a global scenario of energy transition and reduction of environmental impacts, Ceará and Brazil have the chance to position themselves as leaders in the production of raw materials critical to sustainability. The Canadian mining company, with its significant investment and forward-thinking vision, is paving the way for a new chapter in mining and the regional economy.
