Vancouver-based SIGMA Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: SGML) (TSX-V: SGML) is on track to achieving its Phase 1 production goal of 270,000 tonnes per annum of “green lithium” and tailings by July 2023.
The company announced that it had successfully loaded its inaugural shipment of green lithium and green tailings from its Grota do Cirilo project in Brazil. The loading process was completed without issue, and the trucks carrying the green lithium and green tailings arrived at the Vitoria Port warehouses on Wednesday.
The company loaded 10 trucks with four carrying carrying approximately 146 tonnes of green lithium and six containing green tailings to be transformed into battery grade lithium concentrate.
“We are thrilled to achieve this milestone, which demonstrates our continued progress and rapid ascent to become one of the world’s largest lithium producers,” said Cabral-Gardner.
“We are proud that our project will enable Brazil to be a leader in the energy transition as a key supplier of raw materials that can be mined and processed in a sustainable way for our environment and our communities.”
The Vitoria Port was selected for its logistics capabilities and is best suited to handle Sigma Lithium’s increasing export operations. The successful market receptivity for its green tailings has resulted in increased export operations, which are expected to continue growing.
The products are stored separately with security and delivery logistics in mind. The shipment is expected to be completed in May, and the volume of product shipment is increasing daily, on track to achieve the expected ramp-up volumes.
Read more: International lithium market to reach US$22.6B by 2030: ReportLinker
Read more: Sigma Lithium starts operations at Greentech plant, buys farmland for preservation purposes
Grota do Cirilo deposit delivers unique coarse and high quality lithium concentrate
Grota do Cirilo is considered one of the largest and highest-grade hard rock lithium deposits in the world. The deposit has excellent metallurgy and low impurities, making it an ideal source for lithium production.
Sigma Lithium anticipates becoming one of the top five lithium global producers after achieving full scale production at the Grota do Cirilo Project.
One of the key advantages of the Grota do Cirilo project is that it will deliver a unique coarse and high-quality lithium concentrate. This concentrate has the potential to deliver higher margins and operational efficiencies for Sigma Lithium’s end-users. Specifically, the larger size of the concentrate has the potential to increase efficiency in the lithium hydroxide and carbonate chemicals production process by 20 to 30 percent.
Additionally, the Phase 1 project budget includes essential items to ensure a seamless transition to Phase 2. By 2024, the Phase 2 expansion is set to double the yearly production of the lithium concentrate.
Other lithium companies operating in Brazil include South Star Battery Metals (TSXV: STS) and Companhia Brasileira de Lítio, a subsidiary of the Australian lithium company, AVZ Minerals Limited.
Sigma Lithium’s shares dipped 0.9 per cent on Thursday to trade at $45.59 on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
.
Follow Joseph Morton on Twitter
joseph@mugglehead.com
