IBGP elected for technical advisory in Jequitinhonha lithium mining case

The Instituto Brasileiro de Gestão e Pesquisa (IBGP) has been elected to provide Independent Technical Advisory (ATI) services to communities in the Jequitinhonha Valley, specifically in Araçuaí and Itinga. The communities, including Piauí Poço Dantas, Ponte do Piauí, and Santa Luzia, were affected by Sigma Mineração S. A.’s Grota do Cirilo lithium mining project.

The election, coordinated by the Ministério Público de Minas Gerais (MPMG), saw IBGP receive the highest number of votes, followed by Aedas, Cáritas Brasileira Regional Minas Gerais, and Instituto Guaicuy. The ATI is tasked with providing multidisciplinary technical support, such as monitoring dust, noise, and vibration levels, to reduce information asymmetry between the mining company and local residents.

However, the voting process has been marred by allegations of irregularities. Federal Deputy Célia Xakriabá reported potential vote-buying, alleging that individuals linked to the IBGP mobilization were distributing envelopes containing R$ 200 to participants. Additionally, there were reports of unauthorized transportation of people from other communities to influence the vote. The MPMG has opened a procedure to investigate these suspected irregularities.