JB: "Vale has a real interest in speeding up the implementation of the Carnalita project"

ASN - Acting Governor Jackson Barreto received a visit late Friday morning, the 11th, from the president of Vale, Murilo Ferreira, and the Industrial Director of Potassium, Francisco Cisne, to discuss expediting the implementation of the Carnalita project in Sergipe. The Secretary of State for Planning, Budget and Management, José Macêdo Sobral; the Chief Secretary of the Civil House, Sílvio Santos; the Undersecretary for Energy Development, José de Oliveira Júnior; and the economic advisor to the Government of Sergipe, Ricardo Lacerda, also participated in the meeting.

“We had the privilege of receiving the president of Vale, Murilo Ferreira, and the Industrial Director of Potassium, Francisco Cisne, for a working meeting aimed at resolving some issues related to the interests of the municipalities of Japaratuba and Capela to consolidate the beginning of the implementation of the Carnalita project, which is a dream, a desire, of all the people of Sergipe,” Jackson highlighted.

This action was yet another effort by the State Government to make the project viable, given its importance and magnitude for the state. In early October, Jackson was also in Brasília where he received assurances of priority for the project from the Minister of Mines and Energy, Edison Lobão.

“Vale has confirmed the implementation of the Carnalita project and has shown real interest in expediting it. We are only awaiting the licenses and agreements with the municipalities of Japaratuba and Capela. Personally, I will oversee these negotiations so that the project can begin soon. After all, this future unit will produce more than 1,2 million tons of potassium chloride per year in its first phase, with an investment of almost R$ 2 billion. If we consider that the current Taquari-Vassouras plant produces 600 to 700 tons, with sylvinite and carnalita, we will double that production, generating 4 direct jobs and 10 indirect jobs. We are experiencing a virtuous cycle for our state, for our economy and development. We are preparing the state to live in the present and the future, concerned about future generations,” explained the acting governor.

According to Jackson, the plant will be installed in the municipality of Japaratuba, bordering Capela, but this location does not mean that only Japaratuba will benefit from the project. “Both Japaratuba and Capela will benefit, with taxes from mineral extraction and much more than taxes, with the jobs generated in the region, which will lead our youth to better qualifications and a guarantee of securing employment for their future and that of their families. We are giving our state another opportunity in job creation and in the quality of life of the people of Sergipe,” he said.

Jackson also highlighted his happiness at the potential development of one of the most vulnerable areas in the state, located near the project area, which could also benefit. “I am happy that the project is located in a region very close to the Lower São Francisco River, where the largest area of ​​poverty in the state is currently concentrated. I believe this project will be fundamental for the social balance of the region and the state. What I hope is that both the mayor of Japaratuba and the mayor of Capela understand that only technical analysis prevails in this discussion. The governor is interested in the development of Japaratuba as well as Capela and the entire state; it is necessary to understand that the faster the project is implemented, the faster opportunities will be created for everyone. We don't have time to lose; Sergipe wants work, and that's how I will continue to work,” the governor stated.

According to José Sobral, the meeting aimed to discuss the understandings for the start of the Carnalita project in Sergipe, an important action that demonstrates the state's receptiveness. “We are seeking to resolve some minor obstacles so that everything can begin as expected and planned. It is a project highly desired by the state of Sergipe, with an investment of US$4 billion, and this has a positive impact on our economy. It means that potassium will generate wealth in Sergipe for at least another 30 years and significant development for the state, with substantial investments that will bring about a positive change in the reality of that region.”

For Sobral, the company president's visit to the state is a clear demonstration that Vale is determined to begin the project. “Vale found receptiveness, diligence, and action from the State Government. It saw that the State, through its actions and the solutions it has presented for all the issues Vale raised to begin the project, has shown support and positive direction. The intention is to begin installations in early February or March 2014. It is a project that will unfold over many years.”

The Planning Secretary further emphasized that the most important thing for the region is job creation. “It’s not just Vale that will be establishing itself in Sergipe. With a project of this magnitude, with the investments it will make, it will bring other companies that may set up shop, especially in Capela, due to its logistics, physical infrastructure, and tradition in attracting investments and parallel companies that will provide services to Vale, that will work alongside Vale, in transportation, food services, personnel, IT, parts, and vehicles. The volume of investments and the number of jobs generated, the development of local commerce. Beyond the issue of taxes, the social development, from the point of view of inclusion through income and development, is very significant. The project will make a difference for the region, especially for Capela, with the regulatory framework before and after this project, particularly for young people,” he highlighted.

Photo: Marcelle Cristinne/ASN