Lithium Valley, located in the Northeast and North regions of Minas Gerais, is becoming a strategic point of interest for investors due to its mineral wealth. Comprising 14 cities, including Araçuaí, Capelinha, Coronel Murta, Itaobim, Itinga, Malacacheta, Medina, Minas Novas, Pedra Azul, Virgem da Lapa, Teófilo Otoni, Turmalina, Rubelita, and Salinas, this area harbors the largest national reserve of lithium.
Lithium is a vital resource for various applications, with the most prominent being the manufacturing of long-lasting batteries used in electric vehicles and electronic devices. With the growing global demand for sustainable technologies and the expansion of the electric vehicle industry, lithium will become even more valuable in the coming years.
According to information released by the State Secretariat of Economic Development (Sede), Lithium Valley has already garnered interest from four major investment and development projects. These initiatives are expected to allocate approximately R$ 5 billion to the state of Minas Gerais, with the anticipation of reaching R$ 30 billion by 2030. In addition to the economic impact, these ventures have the potential to create over 3,700 jobs in the region.
Fernando Passalio, the Secretary of State for Economic Development, emphasizes the objective of transforming Lithium Valley into a development hub, driving significant social transformation and job creation.
“We aim to bring about economic and social transformation that will be felt by the families residing in the region,” stated the Secretary.
These changes are already being perceived by members of the local community, as observed in Itinga, where economic sectors have started to thrive.
Caminhoneiro José Libério Corregozinho, who has been operating in the region for approximately 20 years, shares his observations on the improvements. Abandoned roads are being revitalized to facilitate the transportation of goods, reflecting the economic upturn in the region.
Nevertheless, he highlights the scarcity of available labor, as many individuals have found employment in the new ventures.
“I work with unloading merchandise, and nowadays, I can’t find anyone else to work because everyone who wants to work is already employed. But that’s okay because money is flowing. It’s progress; this impoverished region needs it,” emphasized José Libério Corregozinho.
The promising scenario of Lithium Valley reinforces the commitment of the government of Minas Gerais to leverage the region’s natural resources sustainably and attract strategic investments to drive socioeconomic development. This aligns with global industry demands and the pursuit of innovative solutions in clean energy and future technologies.
The region, endowed with the valuable wealth of lithium in its soil, is destined to establish itself as a promising hub for economic and social growth in the state and the country.
Source: Revista Minérios
