The agreement marks the creation of a logistics and trading hub for the direct export of iron ore to the Gulf, focused on decarbonization and a sustainable future for the steel supply chain.
Itaminas signed a cooperation agreement with Hafeet Rail, in a ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi on the 22nd. This strategic partnership marks a new chapter in the history of the Brazilian mining company, consolidating its international presence and laying the foundation for a sustainable logistics corridor for iron ore exports to Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The agreement with Hafeet Rail enables the integration of the mining supply chain, transporting iron ore produced by Itaminas in Sarzedo, Minas Gerais, to the Middle East. In addition to expanding Itaminas’ international presence, the logistics hub being built in the Emirates and Oman, which will serve as a gateway to the region, will open new opportunities for other Brazilian mining companies. Through the partnership between Itaminas and Hafeet Rail, these companies will be able to access the GCC and Middle East market efficiently and competitively. With state-of-the-art rail infrastructure, Hafeet Rail will act as an integrator, connecting ports, industrial zones and consumer centers across the region. Through Itaminas, joint operations will become possible, sharing infrastructure and know-how, which strengthens the Brazilian mineral sector as a whole.
The partnership with Hafeet Rail is the result of months of dialogue with the region’s key players, including Hafeet Rail itself, which plays a central role in this initiative. Hafeet Rail, a joint venture formed by ASYAD Group (Oman), Etihad Rail and Mubadala Investment Company (United Arab Emirates), is the first cross-border railway connecting Oman and the UAE, and a strategic logistics operator specialized in integrated rail solutions for large-scale industrial transport. Its expertise in sustainable rail infrastructure and privileged geographic position make it a key element in creating a green logistics corridor between Brazil and the Middle East.
The cooperation agreement was signed by Thiago Toscano, CEO of Itaminas, and Ahmed AlMusawa AlHashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, with Argeu Géo, a member of Itaminas’ Board, and Argeu Géo Filho, Vice President of Operations, in attendance.
“The signing of this cooperation agreement represents a milestone in Itaminas’ history. We are moving forward firmly with our internationalization project. Oman and the Emirates are strategic partners for our future. We believe in building a more sustainable, efficient, long-term supply chain,” says Thiago Toscano, CEO of Itaminas.
Hafeet Rail’s CEO, Ahmed AlMusawa AlHashemi, said: “We are proud to partner with Itaminas to offer complete, sustainable logistics solutions that will connect global supply chains to the heart of the region. We are laying the foundation for a fully integrated corridor that supports industrial growth and opens new opportunities for the steel sector in Oman, the Emirates and the wider region.”
“The GCC stands out as one of the world’s leading development hubs, combining state-of-the-art infrastructure, industrial excellence and world-class logistics solutions. Itaminas is proud to be part of this ecosystem, contributing high-quality iron ore, essential to accelerating the energy transition and building a value chain aligned with the decarbonization agenda,” says Argeu Géo Filho, Vice President of Operations.
This initiative is only possible thanks to the strategic agreement between Itaminas and Porto Sudeste, which allows for the efficient and competitive shipment of iron ore to the Gulf region. The project is aligned with the company’s long-term vision of connecting its operations to global markets through innovative, sustainable solutions.
“This partnership also represents an important step forward for Minas Gerais, the state that holds most of Brazil’s mineral production. By creating new routes and markets for iron ore from Minas Gerais, Itaminas is generating jobs, boosting the local economy and expanding the state’s international presence. On a broader scale, the project strengthens Brazil’s role as a strategic supplier of natural resources, in line with global sustainability commitments and a focus on diversifying export destinations,” says Argeu Géo, member of Itaminas’ Board.
With this move, Itaminas takes the lead in building new trade routes between Brazil, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, opening a new chapter for Brazilian mining on the international stage. By launching direct iron ore export routes focused on decarbonization and logistics integration, the company goes beyond exporting commodities, driving a structural transformation in how Brazil connects with the world. More than just taking part, Itaminas is leading a historic movement, positioning itself as a reference in the global energy transition and in building a more sustainable, efficient, future-focused value chain.
Itaminas signs international agreement to create a green logistics corridor to the Middle East
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