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J. Mendes, a conglomerate headquartered in Itaúna, announced plans to invest R$ 580 million in mining, logistics, and airport ventures in Minas Gerais.
The investments foresee the expansion of operations at the Baú Mine, in the municipalities of Santa Bárbara and Barão de Cocais, the construction of the Guariba Waste and Sterile Pile, between Congonhas and Ouro Preto, a railway terminal for transporting ore in the city of Entre Rios de Minas, as well as the expansion of operations at the São Pedro Airport in Igaratinga.
The investments represent a significant injection of resources for the region and are expected to generate more than 1,300 permanent jobs. The company emphasizes that the expansion of mining activities should result in a considerable increase in production at the Baú Mine and the Guariba Waste and Sterile Pile, resulting in an increase in tax collection and contributions to the state of Minas Gerais.
Expansion of Mining Operations
The Baú Mine, operated by JMN Mineração in Santa Bárbara and Barão de Cocais, expects a considerable increase in production following the expansion of operations, generating an additional 94 jobs. The Guariba Waste and Sterile Pile, in turn, anticipates the generation and maintenance of 881 jobs for the region.
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Ore Transport Railway Terminal
The company will also invest in a railway terminal for transporting ore in the city of Entre Rios de Minas to improve the transport logistics of production from the Morro dos Coelhos Mine, as well as to handle products from other companies in the region. The idea is to reduce operational bottlenecks from other terminals that are operating close to their capacity limits.
Expansion of São Pedro Airport
J. Mendes has also signed a letter of intent with the State to invest R$ 60 million in expanding the structure of the São Pedro Airport. The new terminal is expected to commence operations in September 2024. The goal is to transform it into a public facility in the future that can meet the demand from the Divinópolis and Itaúna region, and to provide an alternative due to the closure of the Carlos Prates Airport in Belo Horizonte.
The expansion of the São Pedro Airport will also contribute to the creation of a new regional civil aviation hub, which could absorb part of the demand that exists in Belo Horizonte for private aviation.
The investments announced by J. Mendes are great news for Minas Gerais, as they will contribute to increased tax revenue and job creation. The expansion of mining operations and the construction of an ore transport railway terminal will help improve the logistics of production flow, reducing operational bottlenecks. The expansion of São Pedro Airport will also bring significant benefits to the region, creating a regional civil aviation hub and offering more options for passengers.
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