Rio de Janeiro’s State Environment Institute issued a construction permit to Porto Sudeste in Itaguaí. The document is required in order for construction work on the port to begin.

Developed by LLX Logística, an EBX Group subsidiary, Porto Sudeste will be a private mixed use port terminal focusing on iron ore. Strategically located, Porto Sudeste will allow small iron ore producers in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero region of Minas Gerais to expand their output, which is currently limited by lack of logistical infrastructure.

Covering 52 hectares, the terminal will have a water depth of 20 meters, an offshore structure with two berths and the capacity to export 50 million tonnes of iron ore per year. Building work is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2009 and operations are due to start at the end of 2011.

As per report the first phase of the project, which will enable 25 million tonnes a year to be handled, will cost USD 380 million. The project as a whole, with capacity of 50 million tonnes per year, will require total investment of USD 740 million. The construction permit already provides for the entire 50 million tonne a year project.

All of the iron ore will be transported to the port via railway line. This will entail building a branch line and a loop for unloading and maneuvers off the MRS main line.

The iron ore will be stored in two storage yards. One of these will located on the site of Sepetiba Quarry and the other will be built inside the new rail loop. Locating a storage yard on the former quarry will allow a degraded industrial area to be reused, reducing the environmental impact. The shape of the quarry will also help to form a natural barrier, blocking the dissipation of iron dust and other participles.

(Sourced from T&B Petroleum)