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Minas Gerais can become a lithium exploration hub with new investments and generate 1.000 new jobs
Minas Gerais is on the verge of becoming an important hub in the exploration and processing of lithium, with the expectation of attracting investments between BRL 20 billion and BRL 30 billion for the Jequitinhonha Valley by 2030. Companies such as Latin Resources, Atlas Lithium, Sigma and MG LIT (Lithium Ionic), in addition to the already operating Companhia Brasileira de Litio (CBL), plan to transform the region with four projects already confirmed, whose investment amount is close to R$ 5 billion. With this, it is envisaged the creation of more than a thousand direct jobs, in addition to thousands of indirect jobs throughout the region.
Investments of the MG LIT project and its impacts in Minas Gerais
MG LIT (Lithium Ionic) is a leading Canadian lithium mining company, with investments of BRL 750 million for the extraction of “white gold” in Araçuaí, Itinga and Salinas. The company expects to start operations in 2025 and has already invested around BRL 160 million so far. The mine is estimated to have an annual production capacity of approximately 250 tonnes of spodumene concentrate, with a lithium-sulfur content of 5.5%. The expectation is to generate more than a thousand direct jobs and countless indirect jobs in the region.
Commitment of the government of Minas Gerais to the Vale do Litio region
The government of Minas Gerais is committed to transforming the Jequitinhonha Valley into a center of innovation and technological development by attracting investments related to the lithium chain. The region is made up of 14 municipalities and is home to the largest national reserve of lithium, an essential resource for several applications, including long-lasting batteries used in electric vehicles and electronic devices. The Vale do Litio project aims not only at mining, but also encompasses all stages of the chain, aiming at the social, economic and infrastructural development of the region.
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Future prospects and investments for the Lithium Valley
Vale do Litio is an ambitious project that has the potential to significantly boost the development of the Jequitinhonha Valley and Northern Minas Gerais. The attraction of billionaire investments will allow the growth of the entire production chain, including related services and infrastructure. The director of Invest Minas, Ronaldo Barquette, emphasizes that the planned resource package is not limited to investments by mining companies, but also includes improvements in infrastructure, such as transmission lines, water, gas, airport and highways. The future looks bright for the region, which is preparing to lead the green revolution, with lithium as the fuel for sustainability and innovation.
