With an anticipated investment of over R$ 1 billion, a consortium of sugar and ethanol companies has laid the foundation for Prata Biotecnologia in Prata, located in the Triângulo Mineiro region. The project is expected to create 600 direct jobs during the construction phase, with operations slated to commence in 2028.
The company is the result of a merger between three entities: Usina Boa Esperança, Grupo Queiroz and Queiroz Bioenergia, and JP Andrade Agropecuária. Construction of the facility is scheduled to begin in January 2026, and it will focus on processing sugarcane to produce sugar, ethanol, bioenergy, and yeast. Agricultural production of soybeans and peanuts in the municipality is also planned.
The new plant is projected to start operations in 2028, generating around 1,800 direct jobs in the region. It is expected to yield a profit of R$ 825 million by 2028. According to the company’s plans, annual revenues are expected to reach R$ 1.07 billion in 2029 and 2030.
Leandro Andrade, Director of Investment Attraction at InvestMinas, the State of Minas Gerais’ Investment Promotion Agency, highlighted that the energy transition, in line with new trends, relies heavily on agroindustry, particularly the sugar and ethanol sectors. “The state is becoming one of the largest, if not the largest, producers of sugar and ethanol in Brazil. Since the government signed the Race to Zero program—an international initiative to eliminate carbon emissions—InvestMinas and the state government have been actively promoting green energy industries, making the attraction of such businesses a strategic priority,” he emphasized.
In addition to environmental concerns, Florencio Queiroz Neto, one of the managers at Prata Bioenergia, noted the agribusiness potential as a driver of economic and social development. “The municipality of Prata will receive a modern, technological, and inclusive industry, producing food and energy sustainably and with social responsibility,” he said.
The mayor of Prata, Marcel Vieira Rodrigues Rosa, known as Xexéu, expressed enthusiasm about the project. “It’s over R$ 1 billion for our municipality, which we believe will improve rural infrastructure and increase our land’s productivity. It will also boost tax revenues and, we hope, raise the municipality’s per capita income. This is a positive chain of events that will only improve the situation,” he celebrated.
Negotiations are supported by InvestMinas To finalize the project, Prata Biotecnologia has sought assistance from InvestMinas for negotiations regarding sugarcane planting areas and environmental licensing.
“We have not only mapped out areas with potential for this type of investment but also provided comprehensive support for the state infrastructure needed to realize the investment,” said Leandro Andrade, Director of InvestMinas.
The company has also requested support in negotiations with Companhia Energética de Minas Gerais (Cemig) and monitoring the environmental licensing process with the State Secretariat for Environment and Sustainable Development (Semad).
Strategic Location of Prata Prata was chosen for its strategic area suitable for sugar and ethanol production, considering its altimetry and environmental and geological conditions. Additionally, the city is well-positioned for the logistics of future distribution. “Whether it’s for sugarcane, sugar, or fuel, Prata is a strategic point with several other industries already investing heavily in the region,” concluded Andrade.
