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Did you know that Brazil has large reserves of lithium, a mineral essential for the manufacture of batteries used in electric cars and other electronic devices? With the growing demand for electric cars, Brazil has the opportunity to become a major lithium producer and boost its economy.
Lithium, also known as “white gold”, is a fundamental mineral for the manufacture of rechargeable batteries, used in electric cars, cell phones, laptops and many other electronic devices. Demand for these batteries is growing rapidly, and Brazil has the potential to stand out in this global market.
In recent years, lithium has become crucial to modern technology. Its properties make it the ideal material for high energy density batteries. These batteries are light, compact and capable of storing large amounts of energy, essential for devices such as smartphones and electric cars.
In 2022, electric cars represented 10% of all passenger vehicle sales in the world. In Norway, eight out of every ten cars sold were electric
These vehicles depend on lithium batteries, and the demand for them will only grow, especially with the search for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Brazil has some of the largest lithium reserves in the world, especially in regions such as Minas Gerais, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Tocantins, Goiás and Bahia. Minas Gerais, in particular, has an area known as the Lithium Valley, which has already attracted significant investment and generated thousands of jobs.
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The largest lithium mining company in the country, Sigma Lithium, has a reserve valued at billions of reais. Since January 2024, Sigma has been in negotiations with Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD, which intends to acquire the mining company to secure the necessary supply of lithium for its future factory in Brazil.
In addition to mining, Brazil needs to develop a complete production chain, which includes the manufacture of batteries and other products derived from lithium
This can add value to the economy, generating high-skilled jobs and promoting technological innovation. Despite the potential, transforming Brazil into a leader in lithium production is not an easy task. Lithium extraction and processing technology requires substantial investment and specialized knowledge. Furthermore, the country needs to overcome regulatory and bureaucratic barriers that can delay project development.
In 2022, an important regulatory change facilitated investments in industry Brazilian lithium market, by revoking the classification of lithium as a material of nuclear interest. However, there is still much to be done to create a favorable environment for the growth of this industry.
