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In news that promises to transform the region, Congonhas is about to become the epicenter of one of the largest mining investments in Brazil.
Although many believe that the project is limited to a local impact, the true scope of this initiative is much greater and can profoundly alter economic dynamics and beyond.
With a promise of create thousands of jobs and revolutionize mineral production, CSN Mineração is about to leave its indelible mark.
Investment and job creation
CSN Mineração, a subsidiary of the National Steel Company (CSN), will allocate an impressive amount of $ 15 billion for an ambitious project in Congonhas, a city located in the state of Minas Gerais.
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Most of this investment, around $ 8 billion, will be used in the construction of a new iron ore processing plant in the Casa de Pedra complex, in Congonhas, located in the central region of the state.
The project is eagerly awaited, promising not only to modernize the company's operations, but also to generate a significant number of job opportunities.
The works, which will begin in 45 days, will create 4 thousand temporary job vacancies during the construction period.
Furthermore, the new plant, when it starts operating in the last quarter of 2027, is expected to employ around 1,5 employees permanently, increasing the total number of CSN Mineração employees in the state by approximately 20%.
Innovation and sustainability
In an exclusive interview with Diário do Comércio, Otto Alexandre Levy Reis, Investment Director at CSN Mineração, explained that the new unit will produce pellet feed, a high-grade and sustainable ore.
When the plant, called Itabirite P15, is in full operation by mid-2028, will have a production capacity of 16,5 million tons per year.
This pellet feed will allow steel mills to produce steel with reduced carbon emissions, using hydrogen.
While part of the production will be destined for the CSN group's plants, the majority will be exported, with emphasis on an agreement with Japanese steel mills and buyers in the Middle East.
CSN Mineração is the second largest exporter of iron ore in Brazil, behind only Vale.
Economic and social benefits to Congonhas
The new plant will not only bring direct economic benefits to Congonhas and Minas Gerais, but will also have a positive impact on local revenue.
Reis highlights that the investment in equipment and vehicles for the plant will contribute to the Tax on Circulation of Goods and Services (ICMS), while the operation of the unit will increase Congonhas' revenue by 70% with the payment of Financial Compensation for Mineral Exploration (Cfem). In the last 18 months alone, CSN Mineração has paid R $ million 730 in Cfem to the municipality.
In addition to the tax benefits, the project will also provide an increase in residents' salaries and stimulate local commerce, with an increase in purchases and demand for services.
Mineral reuse and sustainability
A notable aspect of the project is the reuse of stored low-grade ore, which will be transformed into a very high-grade product, superior to the ore from Carajás.
This will not only increase production efficiency, but also extend the life of the Casa de Pedra mine by more than 25 years, beyond 2080.
Investments in technology and infrastructure
Of the total invested, approximately $ 3,5 billion will be used to purchase equipment and vehicles, including larger trucks that will save fuel and reduce gas emissions.
The other half of the investment will be used to decommission dams. CSN Mineração is investing in advanced technologies to reprocess tailings and remove existing structures, with the goal of eliminating all dams, including Casa de Pedra.
How do you think this huge investment in Congonhas will impact the region's economy and environment in the long term?
This is absurd, they are only thinking about money, we who live here breathing in mining dust, are in poor health and the population of Congonhas will not let this go unpunished, we are already mobilizing petitions, we will go to the extremes paralyzing railway lines and we will overturn this decree. Everyone for Congonhas.
Tamires, good morning, you are absolutely right.
We are going to close all existing mining operations in Brazil, absolutely correct.
Then we'll all sit on top of the mines and watch life go by and die of hunger.
Instead of banning it, why don't we pressure our politicians to create mechanisms that make mining companies have stricter environmental controls?
But it's easier to bury our heads in the ground!!
Then go live in another city
They will destroy the city.
Greed for profit is destroying the city. Politicians are lining their pockets while the population falls ill.
A ****! Dirty, polluted city, already lacking water due to this exploitation in stone houses! Not to mention the dirt in the air and the houses!
A good investment