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The state innovates by transforming discarded tires into rubber asphalt. With a 2.400% increase in use, the state combines sustainability and infrastructure by rehabilitating more than 5,5 km of highways. The technique prevents waste, reduces emissions and promotes durability.
When it comes to innovation in infrastructure, Minas Gerais is putting on a show!
An unusual solution, which reuses what was previously trash, has transformed the highways miners and attracting the attention of the whole of Brazil. But what is behind this initiative?
In the last five years, the state of Minas Gerais has increased its use of so-called rubber asphalt by an impressive 2.400%., an environmentally friendly material that has been gaining prominence for its efficiency and environmental contribution.
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According to state government, data from the company that supplies the product to the Minas Gerais Highway Department (DER-MG) show that the volume used jumped from 1.107 tons in 2020 to 40.115 tons in 2024, totaling 80 thousand tons in the period.
But the numbers don't stop there. The use of this material has removed an impressive 1,6 million tires from the environment, preventing the accumulation of trash and the proliferation of breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes.
As if that were not enough, rubber asphalt also indirectly contributes to the reduction of carbon emissions, an impact equivalent to the preservation of 40 thousand trees.
Furthermore, the economic and environmental benefits have attracted the attention of other states, which are studying the implementation of similar solutions.
The program that leveraged the initiative
This significant leap is part of the program Paths to Advance, considered the largest highway recovery project in recent decades in Minas Gerais.
Since its implementation, more than 5,5 kilometers of roads have benefited from public and private investments.
Among the works that used rubber asphalt, highways such as the MGC-496, which connects Corinto to Pirapora, and the MG-164, connecting Bom Despacho to Martinho Campos, stand out.
The program also included implementation and paving projects, such as the section of the LMG-739 between Congonhas do Norte, Ouro Fino and Conceição do Mato Dentro.
By 2025, DER-MG plans to recover another 400 kilometers of state roads using this material.
The general director of DER-MG, Rodrigo Tavares, highlights that the choice of rubber asphalt is in line with State Law No. 18.719/2010 and offers both environmental and maintenance benefits.
According to him, “the longer lifespan of the pavement reduces the need for frequent repairs, ensuring greater durability”.
Furthermore, the Caminhos para Avançar program also prioritizes highway safety, with renewed signage and works that aim to facilitate the transportation of cargo and passengers.
This combination of technology, sustainability and planning reinforces Minas Gerais' commitment to sustainable development.
Minas Gerais leads the use in Brazil
Minas Gerais is the state that uses the most rubber asphalt in Brazil.
According to the commercial manager of the supplier company, Roberto Perez, total consumption — considering both the public and private sectors — exceeded 210 thousand tons in the last five years.
Perez explains that this type of pavement offers significant advantages: “A road paved with rubber asphalt is less susceptible to deforming due to excess weight and has a lower incidence of potholes, increasing the highway lifespan”, he analyzes.
This type of material also proves to be more economical in the long term, as its durability reduces the costs of constant repairs, benefiting both the government and highway users.
What is rubber asphalt?
This material is produced with approximately 15% ground tire dust, a byproduct of recycling discarded tires.
When mixed with petroleum asphalt concrete (PAC) and heated in specific reactors, it generates a more elastic, resistant and durable mixture than conventional asphalt.
In addition to being sustainable, rubber asphalt has technical advantages, such as greater viscosity and resistance to cracks, which contributes to the long-term conservation of highways.
The production process is meticulous, ensuring a high-quality product that adapts to Brazil's varied climate conditions, from intense heat to periods of prolonged rain.
Sustainability in focus
The positive environmental impact of this technique is not limited to removing tires from the environment.
By reducing the need for frequent maintenance, rubber asphalt also reduces resource consumption and pollutant emissions., reinforcing its role as a sustainable alternative in infrastructure.
Furthermore, reusing discarded tires prevents these materials from ending up in landfills or being disposed of improperly, which could cause serious damage to the environment.
The proliferation of mosquitoes that transmit diseases such as dengue, zika and chikungunya is also combated with this measure.
Minas Gerais is showing that it is possible to combine development and environmental responsibility.
This initiative not only improves the condition of the highways, but also serves as an example for other Brazilian states.
The positive impact of this model can be multiplied, benefiting both the environment and the population that depends on safe, quality roads.
And you, do you believe that the use of rubber asphalt should become mandatory throughout the country? Leave your opinion in the comments!
I think this process is very interesting, besides being ecological, it makes the asphalt more waterproof, it should be used throughout the country.
This is the same story as the new car. In other words, both the old, well-maintained car and the new car arrive at the same place. Now, inventing ways to steal people's money is another story, like this road, of course.
Clueless
I agree with you. This will be another conversation to defend the interests of this group of LARAPIOS.
Just taking pine scraps from open-air locations, as you see a lot around here, is already a great benefit for the people, right? They're going to steal, right? That's always the main objective of these ****.
Everardo, before giving your opinion, clean your nose, it's full of "Ninho milk".
There are people who really want to give their opinion on something, but they don't know how and still prefer to write M... Ninho milk in the nose, that's great, I've never seen it... lol