Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
Nova Vila Project proposes transforming historic mining structures into a new multifunctional neighborhood, with job creation and urban focus in the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte
A high-impact urban transformation is beginning to take shape in Minas Gerais.
Furthermore, the old Velha and Grande gold mines, in Nova Lima, could give way to a new planned neighborhood.
The project, named Nova Vila, was developed by AngloGold Ashanti.
-
Robots build houses with clay extracted from the site itself and zero structural steel in Texas. The walls are made of an ancient adobe mixture that emits 80% less carbon than conventional construction, and the system operates 24 hours a day without needing more than two people.
-
High in the mountains of Colombia, social homes began to emerge from a 3D printer: walls were erected in 16 hours, with construction 30% faster, less waste, and up to 20% savings in materials.
-
Minas Gerais announces a R$ 440 million package in roadworks to solve historic bottlenecks and promises to definitively transform the roads.
-
Photocatalytic paint that self-cleans with sunlight uses titanium dioxide to decompose dirt, kill bacteria, purify the air, and emerges in Brazil as an alternative to facade paintings that can cost up to R$ 100 thousand.
Currently, the proposal has already received approval from environmental agencies and is undergoing legislative processing.
Urban planning transforms mining area into multifunctional neighborhood
Firstly, the plan foresees the reconfiguration of an area of more than 260,000 m².
Thus, the space will be converted into a diverse and sustainable urban environment.
According to AngloGold Ashanti, the project includes:
- Residential housing
- Commercial and service spaces
- Cultural and gastronomic areas
- Leisure and living environments
In addition, 25% of the area will be allocated to environmental preservation.
In this regard, ecological corridors will be implemented and sections of Atlantic Forest will be protected.
Historic revitalization and local job creation
At the same time, the project also focuses on heritage preservation.
Thus, approximately 19,600 m² of historic structures will be revitalized.
On the other hand, the economic impact is also significant.
According to company estimates, the project can generate:
- Approximately 950 temporary jobs
- More than 260 permanent positions in the first three years
In addition, urban infrastructure will be expanded.
Highlights include:
- 2 km of bike paths
- 18,100 m² allocated to a cultural corridor
Environmental approvals and advancement to legislative phase
Currently, the mine closure plan has already been approved by important regulatory bodies.
Among them:
- State Environmental Foundation (Feam)
- National Mining Agency (ANM)
- National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (Iphan)
Now, therefore, the project advances to political analysis.
In this context, the creation of a Consortium Urban Operation (OUC) will be voted on.
This mechanism allows for integration between the public sector, private initiative, and society.
In addition, the structuring of the proposal involves:
- AngloGold Ashanti
- Construtora Concreto
- Nova Lima City Hall
According to Fernando Cláudio, director of the AngloGold Ashanti Institute, the proposal seeks to ensure the project’s continuity over the years.
Complete infrastructure and focus on the local population
At the same time, urban planning includes various facilities.
Among them:
- Sports center
- Multipurpose space
- District market
- Cultural center
- Gastronomic area
- Commercial and industrial spaces
- Residential condominiums and houses
In addition, AngloGold will be responsible for managing a museum.
This space will aim to preserve the history of local mining.
On the other hand, the project also addresses a relevant urban demand.
According to the director, Nova Lima has a housing deficit across all social strata.
Thus, the proposal seeks to reorganize the territory and expand housing supply.
Presentation at Imersão Indústria 2024
Recently, the project was presented to the public during the Imersão Indústria 2024 event.
The meeting took place on April 23 and 24, at BH Shopping.
Considered the largest industrial event in Minas Gerais, the event’s theme was:
“Brazil Cost – When industry stalls, Brazil stalls”
During the event, experts discussed structural obstacles impacting economic growth.
Meanwhile, at the AngloGold stand, an interactive map presented the details of Nova Vila.
Given this scenario, the project consolidates itself as a relevant urban transformation proposal.
Now, the final decision depends on legislative approval, which will define the future of the area and its impacts on the city.
Given this possible transformation, how can the revitalization of mining areas influence sustainable urban development in Brazilian cities?
Be the first to react!