CMPC's Natureza pulp mill wins preliminary environmental licence in Brazil

CMPC's proposed Natureza eucalyptus pulp project in Barra do Ribeiro, Brazil, has received a preliminary environmental licence from state regulator Fepam, handed over on 23 October 2026. The BRL 27bn (USD 5.0bn) development would add a new mill with design capacity of 3m tonnes a year of bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp alongside CMPC's existing Guaiba mill, plus a BRL 1.5bn (USD 280m) export terminal at Rio Grande port. The approval only establishes environmental viability; CMPC must still obtain an installation licence before construction can start.

Why this mattersA 3m-tonne greenfield line would add materially to global bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp supply, though CMPC still needs an installation licence before construction can start.

• Rio Grande do Sul regulator Fepam granted a preliminary environmental licence on 23 October 2026 for CMPC's Natureza pulp project in Barra do Ribeiro
• Project cost is estimated at BRL 27bn (USD 5.0bn), including BRL 1.5bn (USD 280m) for an export terminal at Rio Grande port
• Fepam states design capacity of 3m tonnes a year of bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp, up from the 2.5m tonnes previously cited by CMPC
• CMPC's existing Guaiba mill would continue operating alongside the new plant
• Projected employment reaches 12,000 at peak construction, falling to about 800 direct and 1,500 contractor roles in operation
• The preliminary licence confirms environmental viability only; CMPC still needs an installation licence before construction can begin

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