Sigma hires Brazilian EPCM contractor for lithium project

Sigma Lithium Resources hired Brazilian engineering firm Promon for the design and construction of the first phase of its Grota do Cirilo project.

"The company continues to advance detailed engineering activities with Promon, which now joins Primero to provide technical and engineering services to Sigma in the construction of the project," Vancouver-based Sigma said in a release.

"Promon, a leading Brazilian firm, was selected for its substantial experience in the advanced metallurgical and chemical industries and for its detailed and focused engineering process."

Earlier this month, Sigma announced that production capacity of Grota do Cirilo in southeast Minas Gerais state will reach 440,000t/y of lithium concentrates once fully implemented. 

The project is due to be developed in two phases.

The phase 1, including a commercial production plant, is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2022 and have capacity of 220,000t/y of battery-grade lithium concentrate. Capex is put at US$82mn, and financing has been secured.

Phase 2, with estimated capex of US$44.5mn, will double capacity to 440,000t/y and start operations in the first quarter of 2023. 

Sigma also announced that it has started earthworks at Grota do Cirilo, with topsoil removal, clearing and grubbing in the site area, including the plant and mine.