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Cellulose Project in Mato Grosso do Sul Promises to Be the Largest in the Country in a Single Stage, Involving Billions in Investments, Thousands of Jobs, and Renewable Energy, with Operation Expected by the End of 2027.
Arauco confirmed the construction, in Inocência (MS), of the largest cellulose factory in Brazil built in a single stage.
Named Sucuriú Project, the complex will have capacity of 3.5 million tons/year, an investment of US$ 4.6 billion (about R$ 25 billion), a peak of 14,000 jobs during construction, and generating more than 400 MW of renewable energy.
The expected start of operations is by the end of 2027.
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Strategic Location in Inocência
The unit will be approximately 50 kilometers from the center of Inocência, with access via MS-377 highway, a logistical axis connecting Água Clara, Três Lagoas, and BR-262.
Official environmental licensing documents detail the route and access to the construction site.
The state government has signed contracts to open and pave specific access routes to the plant, reinforcing the road infrastructure in the surrounding area.
Billion-Dollar Investment and International Financing
Out of the total US$ 4.6 billion, US$ 2.2 billion has been structured by multilateral organizations, in an operation classified as a milestone for the forestry sector in Brazil.
The participation of IFC (World Bank), BID Invest, and Finnvera ensures environmental and social standards and strengthens the financial schedule of the project.
Job Creation and Training
At the peak of construction, Arauco expects more than 14,000 temporary job opportunities, with training programs for local workers.
After the industrial launch, the operation is expected to maintain around 6,000 direct and indirect jobs in industrial, forestry, and logistics sectors, consolidating a new hub of formal employment in southern Mato Grosso do Sul.
Clean Energy and Energy Self-Sufficiency
The factory was designed to operate with energy self-sufficiency above 400 MW, with approximately 200 MW allocated for internal consumption and excess of around 220 MW for the national grid.
The strategy combines recovery boilers, biomass, and gasification in the lime kiln, reducing the use of fossil fuels and emissions.
Arauco estimates that the excess will supply a large city, while studies from financiers mention the transfer of around 220 MW to the interconnected system.
Industrial Capacity and Competition in the Sector
With 3.5 million tons/year of market cellulose, Sucuriú will surpass, in total site volume, the new Suzano unit in Ribas do Rio Pardo (MS), inaugurated with 2.55 million tons/year in a single line.
The simultaneous expansion of large plants in Mato Grosso do Sul confirms the state as one of the main Brazilian cellulose hubs, with world-scale private investments.
Timeline and Progress of the Works
The construction site is active, with public milestones such as the groundbreaking on April 9, 2025, and associated road work contracts.
Arauco maintains as a reference the first bale in the fourth quarter of 2027, a timeline aligned with industrial supply packages finalized with major process technology and automation manufacturers.
Regional Impact and Logistics
The arrival of Sucuriú accelerates interventions on the MS-377, including restoration of sections and construction of dedicated access for heavy traffic.
In addition to the direct effect on employment and income, the project is expected to expand the base of services, housing, and commerce in neighboring municipalities, particularly along the Três Lagoas–Água Clara–Inocência corridors, now known as “Cellulose Valley”.
Reasons for Choosing the Region
The decision was influenced by the availability of eucalyptus forests, favorable climate, and consolidating infrastructure for logistics.
Arauco indicates about 400,000 hectares of forest base linked to supply and a socio-environmental governance with biodiversity mapping and agreed actions with public authorities.
With the numbers and timeline on paper, the question that arises is direct: what economic and professional opportunities does your region intend to capture with the transformation of the “Cellulose Valley” in Mato Grosso do Sul?
Só lembrando rio pardo ,Rio verde já sofrem com o plantio acelerado do eucalipto, isso é está dentro da normas ambientais.