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Minas Government Announces Investment of R$ 200 Million in Graphite Plant in the Jequitinhonha Valley, with 300 Job Openings by 2030.
On Monday night, (09/09), during the opening of the Expo & Congresso Brasileiro de Mineração (Exposibram) 2024, the Minas Government announced a significant private investment. The fair, considered the largest in the sector in Latin America, served as a stage to disclose an investment of over R$ 200 million that will be made by the company Graph+, a subsidiary of New Mining, by 2028. The investment in the Jequitinhonha Valley is expected to create 300 job openings.
The Government’s Investment
A new plant will be built in the municipality of Santa Maria do Salto, located in the Jequitinhonha Valley, and will focus on graphite extraction.
The project promises to generate around 300 direct jobs by 2030, contributing to the economic and social development of the region, one of the most impoverished in the state of Minas Gerais.
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The announcement reinforces the state government’s commitment to attracting private investments, an effort aimed primarily at boosting the economy and job creation for Minas residents.
According to the State Secretary of Economic Development, Fernando Passalio, this initiative is part of a larger strategy for energy transition and sustainable mining.
“Like in major economies, we have the private sector as our great ally”, said Passalio.
Investment Phases in the Jequitinhonha Valley
The New Mining project has been underway since 2020, involving geological, metallurgical, social, and environmental studies, which required an initial investment of R$ 4 million.
These surveys have prepared the ground for the upcoming phases of development and licensing, expected to occur between 2025 and 2026, with an additional R$ 16 million investment.
The construction of the plant, set to begin between 2027 and mid-2028, will be the most costly stage of the process, with a projected investment of R$ 200 million.
The expectation is that the plant will be operational by July 2028, driving graphite extraction in a region that has historically faced high unemployment rates and a lack of economic opportunities.
The creation of job openings will be one of the project’s main positive impacts. It is estimated that by 2028, 200 temporary jobs will be created and that by 2030, 300 permanent jobs will be available for the local population.
This initiative is seen as an important step toward strengthening the economy of the Jequitinhonha Valley, with a direct impact on the quality of life of the Minas population.
João Paulo Braga, president of Invest Minas, celebrated the establishment of the company in the region, stating that the development of the Minas people is a priority for the government.
“Around R$ 200 million will be invested in the Jequitinhonha Valley. The establishment of this company will certainly be important for the development of the Minas people. It’s our work yielding results,” celebrated Braga.
Mining in Focus
The extraction of graphite, an essential raw material for various industries, including batteries and electronics, aligns with the Minas Government’s efforts to promote responsible and sustainable mining.
The energy transition, which involves replacing non-renewable energy sources with renewable ones, is also central to state policies.
Secretary Fernando Passalio highlighted the importance of aligning economic development with sustainability, pointing out that Minas Gerais has been a pioneer in this field.
“It’s no secret the hard work the Minas Government has been doing to encourage the attraction of private investments and, consequently, enhance job creation and improve the quality of life for the population”, stated Passalio.
He added that the mining sector, if conducted responsibly, can be a key component in the state’s energy transition.
In addition to the economic impact, the New Mining project aims to adhere to required environmental standards, ensuring that graphite extraction does not compromise the region’s natural resources.
Graph+ already has experience with this type of operation and aims to establish a sustainable production chain, which is viewed positively by local authorities and foreign investors.
International Partnerships and Future Government Perspectives
The involvement of the international community in this process is also significant. The day after the announcement, Tuesday (10/9), João Paulo Braga, president of Invest Minas, gave a lecture to representatives of companies from South Korea.
The event, which took place from 12 PM to 2 PM, showcased the investment opportunities that Minas Gerais offers, focusing on the mining and energy transition sector.
On the same day, at 3 PM, the Transition Energy specialist from Invest Minas, Miller Gazolla, participated in a panel organized by the South Korean embassy in Brazil.
He addressed the state’s investment policies and the partnerships that can be established with Korean companies.
South Korea has been one of Minas Gerais’ strategic partners, especially in projects focused on technological innovation and sustainable development.
This type of international cooperation is essential for advancing projects like the one from Graph+, which depend on advanced technologies and good mining practices.
The entry of new investors could also accelerate the development of other regions in Minas Gerais, leading to the generation of new job openings and income beyond the Jequitinhonha Valley.
With the investment of R$ 200 million already secured, the Minas Government continues working to attract more companies, diversify the local economy, and consolidate the state as one of the leaders in energy transition in Brazil.
The expectation is that, with the project’s completion in 2030, other initiatives may be developed, further boosting the economic growth of the state.
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