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Governor of Minas Gerais defends privatizations and mineral exploration as a solution to state debt
The governor of Minas Gerais, Romeo Zema, is betting big on the exploration of niobium e lithium as engines to revitalize the state's economy. In his view, the expansion of exploration of these minerals, combined with the attraction of companies interested in the sector, can transform the economic reality of Minas Gerais, according to financial intelligence.
Codemig: The crown jewel of privatizations
Zema highlights that in fact the Minas Gerais Economic Development Company (Codemig) It is the key piece in the privatization plan. Unlike Cemig, which operates in the energy sector, and Copasa, in the sanitation sector, Codemig focuses exclusively on niobium exploration.
The company operates in partnership with Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM), belonging to the Moreira Salles family, and has its market value estimated by the state government at up to $ 60 billion. The privatization of Codemig is seen as essential to help reduce the public debt in Minas Gerais, which currently revolves around BRL 160 billion.
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Zema bets on expanding the economy with niobium and lithium
During the Itau BBA CEO Conference in New York, Zema reinforced its commitment to the exploration of niobium and lithium as pillars of its economic strategy. According to him, attracting companies to explore these resources is crucial to leveraging investments in the state.
Niobium, in particular, is a strategic mineral with diverse industrial applications, while lithium is essential for battery production. So we are looking for a world increasingly focused on sustainable technologies.
Challenges and perspectives of privatizations according to Zema
Despite the enthusiasm, the governor recognizes that privatizations face significant obstacles. “We are awaiting decisions from the federal government and the Chamber,” stated Zema, pointing out the lack of a detailed schedule for carrying out the privatizations. However, the situation is worsened by state debt, largely caused by the extinction of state banks in past decades, and exacerbated by the economic recession of 2015-2016.
State debt solutions
Zema emphasizes the need for a new arrangement for state debt, similar to what the Federal Revenue does in Refis. He argues that the current fiscal recovery regime only provides temporary relief, which is unsustainable in the long term.
“I hope that Senator Rodrigo Pacheco will be able to approve a project that resolves the debt, offering a discount on interest and corrections, making payment viable”, declared Zema.
Therefore, by combining the privatization of valuable assets like Codemig with the exploration of strategic minerals like niobium and lithium, Governor Romeu Zema seeks to transform the economy of Minas Gerais, facing significant challenges amid a scenario of growing debt and political uncertainty.
Este senhor grisalho nada aprendeu na gestão pública. Mineração tem muito de legislação federal. As reservas são da nação. Mesmo que conseguisse vendas prodigiosas não seriam o suficiente para cobrir metade do rombo que deixou de administrar.
Pitiful.
Tem que tirar tudo que essa escória afanou dos irmãos mineiros, e por na **** um incompetente como esses traste. E povo, aprende a votar pelo amor de seu país, não é um copo de água, um sub emprego que vale seu voto.