Brazilian court suspends licenses for Sigma Lithium mine

A Brazilian judge has suspended environmental licenses and mining activities at Sigma Lithium's Grota do Cirilo mine due to concerns raised by the Federation of Quilombola Communities of Minas Gerais. The community, descendants of escaped slaves, argued that the mine is within its protected area.

Judge Antonio Lucio Tulio de Oliveira Barbosa stated that evidence shows the Bau territory is only 2.7 km from the project, which necessitates consultation with the community.

The ruling halts new licenses and imposes fines if Sigma continues operations. Sigma maintains the project lies outside the impact zone. An independent review will assess the distance from the community.