Brazilian Congresswoman Applauds Suspension of Sigma Lithium's Environmental Permits

Federal Deputy Célia Xakriabá had recently filed a criminal complaint against the miner over continued operations at Grota do Cirilo project - Minas Gerais.

SAO PAULO, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Federal Deputy Célia Xakriabá publicly welcomed the Minas Gerais state government's decision this Thursday (24th) to suspend five environmental operating licenses held by Sigma Lithium. Addressing the regulatory enforcement on her social media channels, the congresswoman sharply criticized Sigma's prominent presence at New York Climate Week, where a company executive is scheduled to ring the Nasdaq closing bell.

"It is a severe contradiction that a mining company presents itself to the global market as a pillar of the sustainable economy while, on the ground in Brazil, local communities are reporting egregious human rights violations and the outright defiance of judicial orders," stated Deputy Xakriabá.

The mining permits were officially suspended by the State Environmental Foundation (Feam) of Minas Gerais. This regulatory action complies with a Federal Court injunction issued on September 4th, which nullified the environmental licenses and mandated a total halt to all extraction and pit activities at the site (Civil Public Action No. 6012059-96.2026.4.06.3816/MG).

The suspension follows mounting legal pressure. Last week, Deputy Xakriabá and fellow Federal Deputy Duda Salabert filed a formal criminal complaint with the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF) and the Federal Police. The filing demands urgent intervention amid substantial evidence that Sigma unlawfully maintained mining operations at the Grota do Cirilo project in direct defiance of the federal injunction.

On the ground, the Baú and Piauí Poço Dantas Quilombola communities—located in the municipalities of Araçuaí and Itinga within the Jequitinhonha Valley—continue to report severe environmental degradation and mobility restrictions caused by the Grota do Cirilo operational footprint.

Furthermore, Sigma has allegedly breached a separate injunction from another Civil Public Action (No. 5006981-44.2025.8.13.0034) spearheaded by the Minas Gerais State Public Prosecutor's Office. Under that litigation it is alleged a miner had executed a Conduct Adjustment Agreement (TAC), legally binding the company—under penalty of daily fines—to guarantee vital road access for local families left landlocked by the mine's operational perimeter.

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SOURCE Gabinete Dep. Federal Célia Xakriabá