Impact: Positive
Sigma Lithium is constructing Phase 1 of its 100%-owned Grota do Cirilo lithium project in Brazil, a very supportive jurisdiction that is becoming a key part of the battery supply chain. The DFS-staged project is one of the world’s largest, highest-grade, and lowest cost Li spodumene deposits, despite just having just one of four deposits in the simple open pit mine plan. The high-quality resource, at grades of 1.56% and 1.43% Li2O for Phase I and II respectively, rank it 3rd and 6th highest in the world. Phase I and II costs of US$342/t and US$360/t CIF China ranks the project 2nd lowest after Greenbushes. With a focus on ESG, it will include a green-tech plant using 100% renewable energy, recycled water and dry stacked tails.