ICM signs deal to design bio-refinery for Neomille in Brazil

ICM, based in Kolwich, Kansas, U.S.A., has signed an agreement with Neomille, a subsidiary of Cerradinho Bioenergia (CerradinhoBio), to design a bio-refinery in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Construction will take place in Maracaju, 160 kilometres southwest of the state capital.

Plants using ICM technology collectively produce 8.8 billion gallons annually.

CerradinhoBio was established in 2007 in Chapadão do Céu – GO, a region with potential for products such as sugarcane and corn, presenting high yields.

The company is engaged in agricultural activities, manufacturing and trading of ethanol from sugarcane and corn, as well as export activities and electricity trading. 

Neomille, which manufactures products related to corn, such as the production of extracted ethanol and components for animal feed, currently has an annual production capacity of 580,000 tons of corn, 245 million litres of ethanol, 175,000 tons of DDGS and 7,000 tons of corn oil.

The greenfield plant will deliver a corn grinding capacity of 3,400 metric tons (MT) daily and produce over 500 million litres per year (MLPY) of anhydrous ethanol or 540 MLPY of hydrous ethanol. Its production output will also include 23 MLPY of corn oil, in addition to 390,000 MT per year of distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a co-product of the distillery industries. ICM will provide Neomille with technology, engineering and equipment solutions.

“ICM is proud to offer process design and technologies that allow Neomille to expand its production potential while serving the environment,” said Issam Stouky, ICM’s director of Global Business Development. “It’s a pleasure to work with an innovative company that recognizes the golden opportunities made possible through corn ethanol production.”

Neomille represents a major investment by Cerradinho Bioenergia in advancing corn-based ethanol and animal feed in Brazil. Cerradinho Bioenergia has earned numerous regional awards for sustainable biofuel production.

“We are excited to work with ICM, which has solid experience in the industry and shares our commitment to sustainability and high efficiency,” said Renato Pretti, director of New Business at Cerradinho Bioenergia. “We see corn-based ethanol as a relevant business model that supports the Brazilian corn industry and creates value for the local economy. ICM’s technologies will help us efficiently drive biofuel production and development in the region and strengthen our position in the animal nutrition market. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship with ICM.”

The new plant is expected to begin operations in the third quarter of 2023.