Sigma Lithium mine operations suspended by Brazilian court

A Brazilian judge has ordered the suspension of environmental licenses and mining activities at Sigma Lithium’s Grota do Cirilo mine. The decision follows a civil suit filed by the Federation of Quilombola Communities of Minas Gerais, which alleges the project impacts the Bau Quilombola Community, a traditional group of African descent.

Judge Antonio Lucio Tulio de Oliveira Barbosa ruled there was sufficient evidence that the Bau territory falls within the project’s area of influence, necessitating formal consultation procedures. The court noted risks of harm due to constant blasting and earthmoving activities occurring near the traditional territory. An independent georeferencing expert review has been ordered to determine the exact distance between the mine and the community.

In addition to suspending operations at Sigma’s only productive asset, the ruling prevents the state of Minas Gerais from granting new licenses for the project and establishes fines for non-compliance. Sigma Lithium has maintained that the project lies outside the impact zone.