The Governor of Minas Gerais, Romeu Zema, Revealed an Audacious Plan of R$ 585 Million to Transform Brumadinho into a New Industrial Pole and Improve Local Infrastructure: The Investment, Part of the Accessory Agreement with Vale, Foresees the Creation of an Industrial District, Duplication of Highways and Paving Works, Generating Direct Benefits for Urban Mobility and the Local Economy!
On Monday morning (12/8), Governor Romeu Zema (Novo) announced a substantial investment of R$ 585 million in Brumadinho, located in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte. This amount is part of the replacement agreement made with Vale, following the tragic dam break at Córrego do Feijão in 2019. Among the main projects that will benefit from this plan is the creation of a Industrial District in Brumadinho. And look, we’re not talking about a small complex, but an area that stretches over about 1 million square meters, equivalent to no less than 120 football fields, according to estadodeminas.
This new district will accommodate medium and large-scale enterprises on plots ranging from 1,500 m² to 10,000 m². The expectation is that this initiative will not only diversify the city’s economy, which had heavily depended on mining, but will also create a boom in jobs. “With this project, we are creating a new economic horizon for Brumadinho, broadening its opportunities and development,” Zema stated.
Infrastructure and Mobility: Improvements in Road Access
But the good news doesn’t stop there. In addition to the industrial district, another significant part of the investment will be directed towards duplicating the MG-155 highway, the main access road from Brumadinho to BR-381. This improvement will cost R$ 350 million and promises not only to facilitate the flow of goods but also give a boost to urban mobility in the region. After all, who hasn’t suffered from chaotic traffic on narrow roads?
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According to the governor, this duplication will provide a privileged logistical condition for Brumadinho, which is a major attraction for new companies to settle in the city. Additionally, it is expected that the bidding document for the duplication project will be published by 8/14, with construction expected to start in 2025. So, if you are from Brumadinho, you can start counting the days to see the transformation of the city!
Social Impact and Community Demands: The Other Side of the Coin
Although the investment has been celebrated as a victory for the local economy, the scars of the 2019 tragedy are still very present in the memories of residents. During the announcement event, members of the Association of Victims and Affected Families of the Dam Break (Avabrum) were present and emphasized the need for justice. “It’s great to see the city growing, but we can’t forget that there are still many families waiting for justice. It’s not just about money, it’s about lives that were lost,” stated Nayara Porto, president of Avabrum.
While they recognize the importance of the works for the re-signification of the city, the victims’ families still demand seriousness in the legal processes against those responsible for the dam break. Maria Regina da Silva, who lost her daughter in the tragedy, expressed the frustration many share: “For five and a half years, we have been fighting for the responsible parties to be punished. It’s hard to understand this delay, especially with so much evidence already presented.”

A Promising Future, but with Open Wounds
With an investment package that promises to transform Brumadinho into an industrial hub in Minas Gerais, Governor Romeu Zema takes an important step towards the economic recovery of the region. However, while the infrastructure works bring hope for the future, the memories of the tragic past still weigh heavily on the shoulders of the community. The combination of economic development with the pursuit of justice will be crucial for Brumadinho to truly move forward.
These new projects, funded by Vale, are just the beginning of a long journey of repairs and healing. Now, it is up to the government of Minas Gerais and the responsible institutions to ensure that the transformation of Brumadinho is sustainable, inclusive, and, above all, respectful to those who have lost so much.

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