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State consolidates itself as a power in the extraction and processing of minerals, with emphasis on the production of rare earths and lithium
Mining in Mato Grosso do Sul has shown impressive growth over the last four years, with Mineral Production Value (VPM) reaching the $ 11,8 billion between 2020 and 2024. This advance reflects the rich diversity of mineral resources in the state, which includes everything from the production of mineral water to the extraction and processing of strategic minerals such as iron, manganese, lithium e rare Lands, according to the capitaldopantanal website.
The mining sector not only boosts the local economy, but it also places Mato Grosso do Sul in a prominent position on the national scene. With a collection of R $ million 80,4 in royalties in 2023, the state reached seventh position among the highest collections in the Federation. But the growth doesn't stop there; The prospects for the coming years indicate even more expansion, with new investments and technologies that promise to transform mining in Mato Grosso do Sul into an example of innovation and sustainability.
The impressive advancement of mining in MS
Mato Grosso do Sul is not just extracting minerals; the state is creating value throughout the production chain. Gross mineral production in the state reached R$334,48 millions in revenue, highlighting the raw potential of its deposits. However, it is the processing process that really makes the difference, with a total value of $ 11,21 billion generated. This result not only highlights the importance of mining for the regional economy, but also shows how the implementation of advanced technologies has optimized industrial processes.
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Jaime Verruck, Secretary of State for Environment, Development, Science, Technology and Innovation (Semadesc), highlights the efficiency and modernization of mining companies in Mato Grosso do Sul. “This expressive value is not just the result of what is underground, but of the hard work and technology that transforms these riches into products with high added value.”, highlights Verruck.
Mineral water and sustainability: the quality that comes from underground
In addition to minerals, the production of mineral water in Mato Grosso do Sul has also gained prominence, with accumulated revenue of R$ 143,25 million in the last four years. And it's not just any mineral water; The purity and quality of the local product are recognized both in Brazil and abroad. “When you open a bottle of mineral water from Mato Grosso do Sul, you are drinking the purity that comes straight from the subsoil of Mato Grosso do Sul”, comments Verruck in a relaxed manner, but with the certainty that the product has gained market share.
Sustainability is also on the radar of mining companies. Technologies such as filtration and dry stacking are being implemented to minimize environmental impacts, andeliminating the need for large tailings dams and reducing the risk of environmental accidents.
Mining companies looking to the future: manganese and rare earths in focus
Among the companies that have invested heavily in Mato Grosso do Sul, Lhg Mining stands out with robust investment and a workforce of 3.500 employees. The company has optimally explored the Santa Cruz and Urucum mines, located in Corumbá and Ladário, which have vast reserves of high grade iron and manganese ore.
Manganese production, for example, reached 450 thousand tons in 2023, and the expectation is to double this quantity by 2025, reaching one million tons. And it doesn't stop there; around 80% of this manganese is granulated, with a content of 42%, something rare in the world and highly valued in the production of alloy steel and in heating blast furnaces.
Additionally, the company is focused on new technologies and processes to maximize the efficiency and sustainability of operations. The ambitious goal is to increase production to 8 million tons by the end of this year and reach 20 million tons in 2025., depending on improvements in flow routes, such as rail and waterways.
Promising perspectives: rare earths and lithium as new protagonists
According to the Brazilian Mining Institute (IBRAM), the Brazilian mineral sector should receive investments from US$64,5 billion between 2024 and 2028. Mato Grosso do Sul, with its vast reserves of manganese, iron, limestone and basalt, is well positioned to benefit from these contributions, especially in minerals critical to the energy transition, such as rare earths and lithium.
Eduardo Pereira, Mining coordinator at Semadesc, highlights that mineral diversification is a priority. “We are focused on exploring new horizons, such as rare earths and lithium, which are essential for green technologies. With favorable public policies and continuous investments, Mato Grosso do Sul is ready to become one of the five largest mining states in Brazil in the coming years”, predicts Pereira.
The state is also investing in infrastructure to facilitate the flow of minerals, with the revitalization of the Malha Oeste railway and the improvement of the navigability of the Paraguay River waterway. These initiatives, together with the focus on socio-environmental projects, will ensure that the sector's growth occurs in a sustainable and responsible manner, placing Mato Grosso do Sul on the map as one of the main players in the Brazilian mineral sector.
Therefore, Mato Grosso do Sul is riding the mining wave, with a bright future in sight, where lithium and rare earths promise to be the crown jewels. And with the right infrastructure and appropriate policies, the state has everything it needs to shine on the national and international stage.
