Sigma Lithium Corp.’s board has made a final investment decision to nearly double production of its Quintuple Zero Green Lithium (QZGL) project to 520,000 metric tons per year (mt/y). The board approved the initiation of construction of a second line for its Greentech plant (Phase 2). Capital costs for Phase 2 are estimated at $100 million.
Sigma produces QZGL concentrate from its Grota do Cirilo project in Brazil, which lies 425 km east of Brasilia in Minas Gerais. Phase 1 of the project entered commercial production during Q2 2023 and has a capacity of 270,000 mt/y of concentrate (or 36,700 mt/y of lithium carbonate equivalent, LCE). The Greentech plant uses 100% renewable energy, 100% recycled water and 100% dry-stacked tailings.
Construction crews have been mobilized to start the earthworks, foundations and infrastructure for the installation of the Greentech dense media separation production plant. Civil work is expected to be concluded within approximately six months, by Promon Engenharia Ltda., which delivered Phase 1 of the Greentech plant on time and on budget.
The company said it has identified approximately 35 critical long lead items required for the project and plans to begin ordering them from respective suppliers. The total build and commissioning timeline for Phase 2 is expected to be approximately 10 months. The company expects construction and assembly on an accelerated plan to begin in Q4 2024.
