Australian mining firm Lightning Minerals Ltd (ASX) has committed to a R$20 million investment to advance lithium projects in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Through a recent three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Invest Minas, the company aims to accelerate the development of its projects in Brazil’s Lithium Valley, positioning the region as a vital player in the global energy transition.
The Minas Gerais government, through Invest Minas—a joint initiative of the State Economic Development Department and the Minas Gerais Integrated Development Institute—is backing Lightning Minerals’ efforts to develop a local lithium industry. Secretary of State for Economic Development, Fernando Passalio, emphasised that the collaboration aims not only to boost economic growth but also to enhance job opportunities, particularly in areas such as Vale do Jequitinhonha.
Invest Minas will assist Lightning Minerals with regulatory approvals and facilitate connections with local suppliers to streamline their Caraíbas, Sidrônio, and Esperança lithium projects. This partnership reinforces Minas Gerais’ commitment to creating a sustainable supply chain for battery materials in alignment with Brazil’s green energy ambitions.
Under the MoU, Lightning Minerals will prioritise the use of local services and talent, thereby strengthening the lithium supply chain in Minas Gerais. Initial exploration activities, including soil sampling and geophysical surveys, are already underway, reflecting the company’s confidence in the region’s lithium potential and its supportive business environment.
This partnership not only strengthens Minas Gerais' role in the global lithium market but also underscores Brazil's commitment to sustainable industry growth. As demand for lithium rises, the Lithium Valley is set to become a cornerstone of the global energy transition, benefiting both the region and its stakeholders.
