Sigma Lithium (TSX-V:SGML) has resumed mining activities at the Mine 1 in Vale do Jequitinhonha, Brazil, following completing a restructuring aimed to increase safety and operating efficiency.
The restructuring was financed in part by the ‘commercial success’ of Sigma’s high-purity, low-grade lithium oxide concentrate fines, which can potentially generate equivalent proceeds to those of selling 70,000 tonnes of lithium oxide concentrate product at US$1,8000 ($2,586) per tonne.
Sigma notes the new mining operational structure is anticipated to fully support the increase in production scale planned within the next 12 months, with the resumption of construction and subsequent commissioning of the phase two Greentech Industrial Plant.
A full-year guidance output will be provided once production resumption reaches a steady-state during the current quarter and once all equipment is mobilised and mining activities are running at full capacity.
CEO Ana Cabral says the company’s operational approach highlights the focus on efficiency and continuous pursuit of higher margins and cash generation.
“The upgrading of our mining operations will enable us to fully benefit from the substantial capacity improvements executed in the Greentech Industrial Plant,” Cabral says.
Sigma’s 1.5 million tonne per annum mining and industrial processing operation has a nameplate capacity of 270,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate. The plant was commissioned and began commercial operations in 2023.
The facility comprises a three-stage crushing circuit, a dense media separation plant, and a water reclamation/dry-stacking unit.
Sigma Lithium is a lithium producer focused on supporting a sustainable energy future by empowering growth in the electric battery industry.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Sigma Lithium
