Brazil, UK create partnership to study mineral deposits in Minas Gerais

Brazil’s geological service (SGB) and its UK counterpart, the British Geological Survey (BGS), signed an MOU to develop the mining potential of the Jequitinhonha valley, in the northeast of Minas Gerais state.

"At this initial stage, the plan will be dedicated to studying occurrences of lithium and graphite in the Jequitinhonha valley region in Minas Gerais. A collaborative study will be conducted by both geological institutions. The Brazilian geological service has committed to sharing data and contributing to the creation of a 3D geological model, which will serve as a basis for understanding existing mineral systems and for a future hydrogeological model," the SGB said in a statement.

The Jequitinhonha valley, historically an area of low economic development, has attracted a growing number of mining companies in recent years due to its large spodumene lithium reserves.

Canada’s Sigma Lithium is helping to draw attention to the potential of the valley as it develops the Grota do Cirilo project, whose first phase began production in 2023.  

Others firms, such as Canadian junior Lithium Ionic and Atlas Group, among others, also have projects planned in the region.