Cedro Participações to expand Brazilian iron ore exports with new Itaguaí terminal

The construction of a new terminal at the Port of Itaguaí in Rio de Janeiro is poised to redefine the flow of Brazilian iron ore. Led by Cedro Participações, a prominent player in the sector, the project involves the development of Porto do Meio, a terminal dedicated to bulk mineral shipments. The R$3.6 billion investment will enable the export of up to 25 million tonnes of ore per year, connecting Minas Gerais mines to the country’s port infrastructure and giving new momentum to exports.

A key differentiator of the project lies in the vertical integration of operations. With its own terminal, Cedro becomes the first fully domestic, privately held iron miner to control every stage of the supply chain, from extraction to shipment. This logistical independence is expected to open new markets and reduce costs, strengthening the competitiveness of Brazilian companies.

Sustainability and new business avenues
The construction of Porto do Meio also has a direct impact on national infrastructure. Its connection to the Southeast Regional Rail Network creates a strategic corridor for cargo, encouraging investment and partnerships in a sector that seeks more efficient solutions.

“This new route will increase the sector’s competitiveness on the global stage while delivering significant benefits for the environment and the country’s infrastructure,” said Lucas Kallas, chairman of Cedro Participações’ board.

Expanded capacity and promising future
The market is already feeling the need for new terminals as small and medium-sized mining companies currently rely on areas controlled by large groups, which limits production expansion. With export projections on the rise, this bottleneck is expected to intensify. The new terminal emerges as a concrete alternative for iron ore shipping, opening up new growth prospects.

The ITG02 terminal concession at the Port of Itaguaí (RJ), awarded to Cedro at the end of 2024 and officially confirmed in early 2025, included the presence of federal authorities, such as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Minister of Ports and Airports Silvio Costa Filho, highlighting the project’s national significance. In 2024, the Port of Itaguaí handled 60.7 million tonnes, of which 54.2 million were iron ore, according to the National Agency for Waterway Transportation (Antaq).

Recognized as one of the country’s primary logistical hubs, the Port of Itaguaí boasts efficient rail connections and features specialized terminals for major companies, including Vale and CSN. With Porto do Meio, export capacity is expected to leap, providing a strategic alternative for companies of all sizes.

Source: Rádio Itatiaia

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