en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) has approved a BRL 43.8 million loan to Bahia Ferroalloy Company (Ferbasa) for the construction of a new charcoal production plant in the municipality of Maracás, Bahia state.
The new plant, with an annual capacity of 20,000 tons, will employ methane emission reduction technologies and supply raw materials (bio-reductants) to the company's metallurgical plant in Pojuca, Bahia state.
The development bank's funding accounts for 98% of the total project investment (BRL 44.4 million). Approximately BRL 35 million of this amount comes from the Climate Fund (Fundo Clima), as the project contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
BNDES President Aloizio Mercadante stated that by supporting the production of charcoal with lower methane emissions, the bank is helping to decarbonize the strategic chain of the national steel industry, encouraging innovation and sustainability, while creating jobs and income in Bahia state.
According to the bank, the project is expected to be completed by December this year. Once operational, the plant is projected to create 97 direct and indirect jobs.
The company stated that Maracás was chosen because Ferbasa has extensive forest areas (5,378 hectares of planted area) in the region, ensuring a wood supply for charcoal production. The availability of raw materials will allow production to start immediately after project completion.
