Brazil’s mining regulator ANM has ordered Sigma Lithium (NASDAQ: SGML) to halt mining activities in part of its Grota do Cirilo mine, citing an unspecified “imminent risk,” according to a document seen by Reuters on Wednesday.
The agency ordered immediate corrective work to begin on the eastern slope of the mine’s north pit, where it said there was a “ruptured section.”
The area will remain under interdiction until the company completes the work on the eastern slope, ANM said.
ANM also demanded a number of measures to mitigate risks at the mine, adding that it “will take appropriate measures in the event of non-compliance.”
It is unclear how much the stoppage will affect Sigma’s mining activities, already impacted by the recent suspension of its environmental licenses and an interdiction on its waste piles.
Sigma did not immediately reply to a request for comment.