Sigma Lithium mining impacts in Minas Gerais

Lithium mining operations by Sigma Lithium in the Jequitinhonha region of Minas Gerais have faced scrutiny regarding their impact on local communities. Initial reports highlighted water scarcity in rural areas such as Ponte do Piauí and Taquaral Seco. While the company provides water via its ‘Água para Todos’ program, a report from the Ministry of Public Affairs of Minas Gerais noted that some residents receive approximately 4.76 liters of water per person daily, which is significantly below the United Nations standard of 20 liters.

Following these concerns, a federal court in Teófilo Otoni ordered the immediate suspension of environmental licenses and mining activities at the Grota do Cirilo mine. The ruling, prompted by a civil suit from the Federation of Quilombola Communities of Minas Gerais (N’Golo), alleges the project impacts the Bau Quilombola Community. Judge Antonio Lucio Tulio de Oliveira Barbosa ruled there was sufficient evidence that the Bau territory falls within the project’s area of influence, noting risks of harm from constant blasting and earthmoving activities.

To resume operations, the court mandated a Free, Prior, and Informed Consultation (CLPI) with the Bau community. Sigma Lithium must also obtain approval from the National Institute for Colonization and Agrarian Reform (Incra) regarding the Quilombola Component Study and the Quilombola Basic Environmental Project. The injunction prevents the state of Minas Gerais and the State Environmental Foundation (Feam) from issuing new authorizations or corrective licenses for the project until these requirements are met. Non-compliance subjects the company to fines of R$ 100,000 per violation. Sigma Lithium has maintained that the project lies outside the impact zone.