Ibama Grants License for Rock Removal at Pedral do Lourenço

Ibama granted, on Monday (May 26), an environmental license that will enable navigability along the Tocantins River waterway — one of the main sustainable transport corridors connecting Brazil’s Central-West and Northern regions. The license authorizes interventions in specific sections of the river to carry out the rock removal of the so-called Pedral do Lourenço, a rocky formation on the riverbed that restricts the safe passage of cargo vessels.

“This is a historic milestone — a decision that is expected to bring socio-economic development to the Central-Northern region of the country while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions since the development of waterways is key to meeting the Paris Agreement,” celebrated Ports and Airports Minister Silvio Costa Filho. “It’s excellent news for Brazil and for Brazilians, especially in a COP30 year, when the world’s eyes will be on the state of Pará,” he added.

The Tocantins River waterway stretches for more than 1,700 kilometers between the cities of Peixe (TO) and Belém (PA), but this 40-kilometer rocky section hinders its navigability.

“Environmental assessments are essential to the country’s sustainable development and must also take into account the positive impact that a waterway can generate, such as reducing road traffic and greenhouse gas emissions,” emphasized Dino Antunes, Secretary for Waterways and Navigation.

Located in the Cerrado biome, Brazil’s largest grain-producing region, the Tocantins waterway holds significant potential for becoming a major national logistics route. Once dredging and rock removal at Pedral do Lourenço are completed, the river will have the capacity to handle over 20 million tons of cargo per year.

Source: Ministry of Ports and Airports

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