Brazil is among the countries with the greatest lithium extraction potential in the world

Brazil stands out as one of the countries with greatest potential for lithium extraction in the world, along with Australia, China, United States, Chile, Argentina and Canada.

A national production is concentrated in the Jequitinhonha Valley, in Minas Gerais, which rose from 11th place to third in terms of revenue between 2021 and 2023, behind only iron and gold.

According to data from the MME (Ministry of Mines and Energy), lithium extraction in Minas Gerais reached a commercial value of R$ 1.44 billion between January 1 and July 25, 2023.

This indicates that the R$ 1.45 billion mark reached in 2022 will soon be surpassed. For comparison purposes, mineral trade recorded R$ 271.6 million in 2021, showing growth of 436.16% between 2021 and 2022.

Lithium is an essential element for the production of lithium-ion batteries, used from cell phones to eletric cars. It is estimated that 70% of lithium produced in the world is destined for the manufacture of batteries, although other industries also consume the metal, such as the ceramics and glass sectors.

The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, emphasizes that lithium mining in the Jequitinhonha Valley region represents a unique opportunity to insert Brazil as a global protagonist in the production of this crucial mineral for the energy transition. Furthermore, it is a chance to generate jobs, income and social development for the local population.

“Brazil has a fertile soil of opportunities and our Jequitinhonha has shown this, attracting the attention of the whole world with lithium, especially green lithium. Last week, at the G20, we were able to strengthen Brazil's relations and protagonism, under the leadership of President Lula, in the relationship between countries in the global south and developed countries. We know that critical minerals will be fundamental for the energy transition, so we have to work on these Brazilian potentials by reconciling public policies that bring important social returns to our society and that guarantee sustainability”, said minister Alexandre Silveira.

For this purpose, the MME is developing a multisectoral and specific program for the Vale region, which goes beyond mining. The objective is for mining activity to be a means of regional development, with the Federal Government providing public policies that encompass improvements in infrastructure (road and railway), education and professional training, as well as social programs for the local population.

Recently, Minister Silveira met with the CEO of the mining company Sigma Lithium, Ana Cabral-Gardner. Sigma shipped the world's first cargo of green lithium last week, from the Port of Vitória, in Espírito Santo.

The lithium extracted in the Jequitinhonha Valley has the triple zero seal, that is, it is free of carbon, waste and harmful chemicals. This cargo was sent to China, where the lithium will be transformed into batteries for global use.

The first shipment contained 15 thousand tons of triple-zero green lithium, in addition to another 15 thousand tons of high-purity ultrafine by-products. By the end of the year, the estimate is to export around 130 thousand tons. The company states that activity in the region generates a thousand direct jobs and another 13 thousand indirect jobs.