Brazil\u2019s Port of Natal is set to begin exporting iron ore in the second half of 2028, following the lease of its North Yard to Indian company Fomento do Brasil Minera\u00e7\u00e3o in a public auction held last Thursday, February 26, at S\u00e3o Paulo\u2019s B3 stock exchange.<\/p>\n
The company is expected to sign the concession contract within the next 90 days and carry out operational upgrades over the following two years, according to Alan Jones Tavares, Fomento\u2019s ports and logistics manager.<\/p>\n
Fomento plans to invest up to 55 million reais ($55 million) in the North Yard over the 15-year concession period. In the coming days, the company will submit investment plans and required documentation to the Rio Grande do Norte Port Authority (Codern) and Brazil\u2019s waterway regulator, ANTAQ.<\/p>\n
Tavares said the project marks a milestone not only for the company but for the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Although the state has previously attempted to export iron ore, operations were unsuccessful due to a lack of port infrastructure adapted for bulk mineral handling.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is different from what was done before. We are going to put Rio Grande do Norte on the global mining map, not just the Brazilian one,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The company expects annual exports of about 2,200 metric tons of iron ore starting in 2029. During the initial ramp-up phase in the second half of 2028, the goal will be to reach the highest possible shipment volumes to key international buyers.<\/p>\n
The following breakdown identifies the key export hubs for iron ore<\/b> during the first month of 2026, according to newly released data<\/b> from Datamar<\/b>:<\/p>\n
Iron Ore Export Ports | January 2026 | WTMT<\/b><\/p>\n
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