Sigma Lithium Corp.
Overview
Sigma Lithium Corp. is a mid-tier lithium producer headquartered in Toronto, Canada, operating primarily in Brazil. The company's portfolio consists of 1 operating mine. Key assets include Grota Do Cirilo. The company's business model is centered on being a vertically integrated commercial producer of high-purity concentrate through a phased operational approach. Its processing capabilities are distinguished by a proprietary "Greentech Plant" that utilizes a fully automated, digital Dense Media Separation (DMS) process, which operates without hazardous chemicals and relies on 100% renewable energy and recycled water. This technology produces a primary high-grade concentrate and a secondary saleable by-product, underpinning a strategic goal of achieving a "zero tailings" environmental footprint. Operational synergies are built into the expansion strategy, with future production lines designed to replicate the initial plant's flowsheet and leverage its established infrastructure. Competitive positioning is anchored in this environmentally sustainable production method, which management has branded as "Quintuple Zero," and its status as one of the largest hard rock beneficiation complexes. The enterprise manages distribution through a dedicated commercial team and a network of trading companies, with products shipped via sea freight to international customers.
Strategy
Strategic priorities are focused on a capital-efficient tripling of production capacity, financed primarily through a development loan. Near-term objectives involve the construction of a second processing plant, which is expected to double output by the end of 2025. Operational optimization initiatives are centered on enhancing commercial performance by reducing freight costs through the consolidation of shipments into larger vessels and strategically timing deliveries to align with seasonal demand peaks. Further operational enhancements include increasing screening efficiency with new crusher plant screens and sustaining production rates above the designed nameplate capacity. The long-term growth strategy involves expanding the mineral asset base through continued greenfield and brownfield exploration, with a 2025 drilling program of approximately 10,000 meters aimed at extending the operational life. This approach is designed to solidify the organization's market position as a key supplier of sustainably produced, high-purity materials for the battery supply chain.
Management
Executive leadership is headed by CEO Ana Cabral, who has over 20 years of experience as a senior banker at global investment banks, and CFO Rogério Marchini, a finance executive with more than 24 years of experience, including at Embraer. The board of directors is composed of 5 members, with 3 (60%) classified as independent. Board oversight is structured through 4 committees, 3 of which are chaired by independent directors. The Audit, Finance and Risk Committee consists of 3 independent members. A key governance consideration is the significant influence of A10 Fund, which holds approximately 42.86% of outstanding shares, with certain directors and officers also being associated with the fund. The governance framework includes a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics; however, management has reported that material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting existed as of December 31, 2024, creating a risk that a material misstatement of financial statements may not be prevented or detected in a timely manner.
Sustainability
The sustainability strategy is defined by a "quintuple zero" commitment, signifying operations with zero net carbon, zero tailings dams, zero hazardous chemicals, zero use of potable water, and zero non-renewable power. This is supported by a processing methodology that is chemical-free, utilizes 100% hydroelectric power, and recycles process water. The company has engaged third-party firms for an ISO-compliant life cycle assessment and to validate its carbon offsetting projects to support a net-zero declaration. Environmental stewardship includes a "zero tailings" initiative to upcycle 100% of by-products, progressive land revegetation, and advanced dust suppression systems. Social programs focus on local hiring and upskilling within the community. The health and safety framework includes an Internal Accident Prevention Committee, weekly best-practice sharing meetings, and workshops with contractors to align on core safety values. Governance is highlighted by female leadership at the CEO and Co-Chairperson levels and 40% female and LGBTQ representation on the board.
Structure
The corporate structure consists of the parent company wholly owning Sigma Lithium Holdings Inc., which in turn wholly owns the primary operating subsidiary, Sigma Mineração S.A., and Sigma Industrial de Lítio S.A. A key structural element is the significant ownership stake held by A10 Fund, which controlled 42.86% of outstanding shares as of December 31, 2024, granting it substantial influence over corporate governance and strategy. In 2022, the company terminated a heads of agreement with Mitsui & Co. Ltd. to maintain commercial flexibility. The company's expansion is supported by significant financing agreements, including a US$100 million pre-export facility secured in 2022 with Synergy Capital and a binding commitment for a R$486.8 million development loan from BNDES received in 2024. Certain surface rights for operations are held by related parties, including Arqueana and Miazga, in which the CEO holds an indirect economic interest, under assignment arrangements with the operating subsidiary.
Source
Sigma Lithium Corporation - Annual Information Form - 2024
- Project should be interpreted as a single, group or complex of mines, deposits or other mineral assets. Name of the project should be identical to the official company naming convention.
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- koz au: Thousand ounces of gold (production volume)
- moz au: Million ounces of gold (resource base or production volume)
- g/t: Grams per tonne (grade of gold or silver in ore)
- usd/oz au: US dollars per ounce of gold (cost metric)
- moz ag: Million ounces of silver (resource base or production volume)
- g/t ag: Grams per tonne of silver in ore (grade)
- usd/oz ag: US dollars per ounce of silver (cost metric)
- kt cu: Thousand tonnes of copper (production volume)
- mt ore: Million tonnes of ore (resource base for copper)
- %: Percent copper or uranium in ore (grade)
- usd/lb cu: US dollars per pound of copper (cost metric)
- mlb U3O8: Million pounds of uranium oxide (U3O8) (production or resource base)
- % eU3O8: Percent equivalent uranium oxide in ore (grade)
- usd/lb u3o8: US dollars per pound of uranium oxide (cost metric)
- Open Pit: Surface mining method using large excavated terraces to extract ore
- Underground: Subsurface mining through shafts, tunnels, and chambers
- ISR (In-Situ Recovery): Solution mining method using chemical leaching without excavation
- Exploration: Early-stage project searching for and defining mineral deposits
- Development: Mine under construction or preparation for production
- Operating: Active mine currently extracting and processing ore
- Expansion: Mine temporarily suspended or with limited production, in progress to increase production in the future
- Reclamation: Mine permanently closed or no longer producing, but the site is being rehabilitated
- P&P (Proven and Probable Reserves): Highest confidence mineral resources with detailed mine plans, it's a subset of M&I
- M&I (Measured and Indicated Resources): Well-defined resources with good geological confidence
- Inf (Inferred Resources): Estimated resources with limited geological confidence
- Scoping Study: High-level assessment to determine if a project warrants further investigation
- PEA (Preliminary Economic Assessment): Initial economic evaluation of a mineral project
- Pre-Feasibility (Preliminary Feasibility Study): Intermediate-level technical and economic assessment
- Feasibility (Definitive Feasibility Study): Comprehensive technical and economic evaluation for investment decisions
- BFS (Bankable Feasibility Study): Detailed study meeting lender requirements for project financing
- NPV (Net Present Value): Discounted value of future cash flows minus initial investment
- IRR (Internal Rate of Return): Discount rate that makes NPV equal to zero
- Payback Period: Time required to recover initial capital investment from project cash flows
- AISC (All-In Sustaining Cost): Total cost per ounce including sustaining capital and corporate costs
- Royalty: Payment to landowner/government based on percentage of production value or revenue
- Stream: Agreement to purchase future production at predetermined price, often below market rate
- NSR (Net Smelter Return): Royalty based on net revenue after smelting and refining costs
- GRR (Gross Revenue Royalty): Royalty based on total gross revenue before any deductions
- NPI (Net Profits Interest): Royalty based on net profits after operating costs and capital recovery