Sigma Lithium said its production is now at full capacity with a record shipment of 27,500t of its Quintuple Zero Green lithium to IRH Global Trading in Abu Dhabi.

This shipment, departing from the Port of Vitoria, underscores Sigma's ability to meet both operational and sales targets.

The provisional price for this shipment is based on 8.25% of the battery-grade lithium carbonate price listed on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange.

The company implemented efficiency initiatives at the Greentech Industrial Plant during a four-day maintenance shutdown in November.

This led to continuous production of over 850 tonnes per day (tpd) of lithium oxide, with peak days reaching 900tpd, showcasing the plant's enhanced production capabilities.

As a result, Sigma Lithium has achieved an annualised production run rate of 270,000t and expects to maintain this level.

The company operates at the forefront of environmental and social sustainability in the electric vehicle battery materials supply chain at its Grota do Cirilo Operation in Brazil.

Sigma produces Quintuple Zero Green lithium at its Greentech lithium beneficiation plant, delivering net-zero-carbon lithium with zero carbon-intensive energy, potable water, toxic chemicals and tailings dams.

The first phase of Sigma's operations entered commercial production in the second quarter of 2023.

The company has issued a final investment decision to double capacity to 520,000t of lithium concentrate through a phase two expansion of its Greentech Plant.

This expansion, approved by Sigma's board, will enable the production of enough lithium concentrate to power an estimated 1.8 million electric vehicles.

Sigma Lithium also announced a 40% increase in proven and probable mineral reserves at its Grota do Cirilo lithium project in Vale do Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

This expansion adds 22.2 million tonnes (mt), bringing the consolidated reserve total to 77mt at 1.40% lithium oxide (Li2O), up from 54.8mt at 1.44% Li2O.