In Brazil’s lithium belt, locals fear push to dismantle legal protections

As demand for transition minerals soars, pro-business lawmakers and environmental activists in COP30 host Brazil are in a tug of war over how to regulate the mining industry
Aerial view of the Sigma lithium mining site in Poço Dantas, Jequitinhonha Valley, Brazil.
Sigma mine site in Poço Dantas, May 2025. (Photo: Rebeca Binda)

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