The plant is being built in the city of Baraúna the municipality which lies 317km from Natal at a cost of US$350m. The new works will have a capacity of 1.3Mta.
When grinding operations begin in February next year, the plant will be able to produce 50% of its full capacity. All remaining work is expected to be completed in one year and full operations at the plant are slated to begin in February 2012.
Infrastructure work in the region such an airport in Sao Goncalo do Amarante and preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup are expected to boost demand in the coming years.