Pegmatitos litiníferos de Araçuai e Itinga(MG): importância geológica e econômica

Abstract

Since the beginning of the 21st century there has been a significant increase in the use of lithium ore in industry worldwide, led by the use of batteries in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles. The intense demand for this ore has led to the identification of new sources of lithium extraction. In Brazil, the main reserves are in pegmatite complexes located in Médio Jequitinhonha, in northeastern Minas Gerais, where the main lithium mining company, CBL (Companhia Brasileira de Lítio) and SigmaLithium, a canadian company. This research is directed to the study in the region that covers the municipalities of Araçuaí (MG) and Itinga (MG), the whole area is inserted in the Araçuaí Orogen, area of historical mining importance in Brazil. The lithium concentration in these pegmatites has a granitic S-type source, derived by anatexis from metasedimentary rocks. In the study area these pegmatites have been classified as L-C-T pegmatites. The objectives of this research are to compile and discuss the knowledge of the lithiniferous pegmatites of this region and the economic importance of lithium on the world stage. In order to fulfill the objectives, a research was conducted in search of previous works regarding the pegmatites in the region (petrographic characteristics, genesis, Li content, etc.), to obtain and compare data on the increase and variability of the ore in Brazil and producing countries. And discuss how it is exploited. This research contributes to understanding the evolution of the importance of pegmatite knowledge, as well as the economic relevance of lithium ore in the economy.