en.Wedoany.com Reported - Jaguar Mining plans to begin construction of a new gold mine in Onça de Pitangui, in the central-west of Minas Gerais, in 2027. The company's Onça de Pitangui project is in the final stage of the environmental licensing process, aiming to obtain the Installation License (Licença de Instalação, or LI). The company views it as one of its main projects for expanding production in the coming years.

This timeline was disclosed by Jaguar Mining CEO Luis Albano Tondo during a visit to the city on July 23. According to the executive, the company is awaiting license approval before moving to the project implementation phase. Once planned capacity is reached, the new operation will account for approximately 33% of Jaguar Mining's total production; the project also leaves room for expansion, depending on whether new mineral resources can be converted into reserves.

The Onça de Pitangui project is part of Jaguar Mining's overall growth plan in Minas Gerais. The company expects to invest between $170 million and $190 million in the state by 2030, with funds allocated to production expansion and upgrades at existing mines, construction of new tailings and waste rock disposal facilities, exploration of new mineral targets, and development of the new Onça de Pitangui mine.

The company currently holds mining rights to approximately 46,000 hectares in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero (Iron Quadrangle). The five-year exploration plan includes 20,000 meters of drilling, making it one of the company's largest mineral research programs to date.

During his visit to Onça de Pitangui, Tondo presented the expansion strategy to municipal government and community representatives. Jaguar Mining stated that its relationship with the community is a key part of project advancement, and the company plans to maintain dialogue with local residents, creating jobs, income, and regional investment while minimizing the impact of mining activities.

"We want to build a relationship based on dialogue, cooperation, and trust," Tondo said. The company also plans to consider community needs in project development, leaving lasting benefits for the city.