Vancouver-based SIGMA Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: SGML) (TSX-V: SGML) has successfully produced its first batch of environmentally sustainable “green lithium” at its Grota do Cirilo project in Brazil.
The company announced the milestone on Monday and has now shifted from being a developer of green lithium to a producer.
Sigma was able to accomplish this achievement through the completion of a dense medium separation (DMS) circuit at the project’s Greentech Plant, marking completion of the first phase of construction at the Brazillian project. Sigma received the necessary environmental operating license for Grota do Cirilo last week.
Sigma Lithium has gone from developer to producer and will be initiating production of #GreenLithium, with zero tailings and low carbon. Our first shipment is targeted for May! pic.twitter.com/Fp902VKDmL
— Sigma Lithium (@SigmaLithium) April 17, 2023
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Read more: Sigma Lithium starts operations at Greentech plant, buys farmland for preservation purposes
Sigma expects full production capacity at the Greentech Plant by July
When the project reaches full production capacity, Sigma will stockpile high-grade green lithium and make preparations for its sale. An initial shipment of around 15,000 tonnes is expected to be sent out in May this year.
“Sigma Lithium was created almost a decade ago and set out to prove that lithium extraction could be done in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible,” said Sigma’s CEO Ana Cabral-Gardner.
“Reaching this milestone from developer to producer is an incredible achievement and a testament to the many years of hard work of the entire Sigma team. We are thrilled to deliver on schedule for our supporters and partners,” she added.
Cabral-Gardner also says the company is hoping to shine a spotlight on Brazil’s potential as a leader in the clean energy transition. Sigma says the plant uses 100 per cent recycled water, 100 per cent renewable energy and 100 per cent dry-stacked tailings.
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Sigma commenced operations at the Greentech Plant in December last year and bought tropical forest farmland for environmental preservation purposes in Brazil with its local partner Miazga Participações S.A.
The United Kingdom’s Green Lithium is another company focused on sustainable lithium production. The private company is open to potential investors and asks those interested to fill out an inquiry form on its website.
In July last year, Brazil relaxed its rules on lithium exports in an attempt to establish itself as a top international supplier amid growing demand for the metal.
Other lithium companies operating in Brazil include Atlas Lithium Corporation (Nasdaq: ATLX) and South Star Battery Metals (TSX-V: STS).
Sigma’s stock dropped by 2.94 per cent on Tuesday to $50.53 on the TSX Venture Exchange.
rowan@mugglehead.com
