2025 SMM Field Trip to South American Lithium Resources – 9th Stop: CBL

In recent years, the significant fluctuations in lithium prices have subjected enterprises across the industry chain to a rollercoaster of experiences. Although lithium prices are no longer as high as they once were, the development prospects of the new energy industry chain remain bright amid the global advocacy for a low-carbon economy, with the importance of lithium resources becoming increasingly prominent.

As one of the regions with the most abundant lithium resources globally, South America, particularly the "Lithium Triangle" region (Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile), holds over 55% of the world's proven lithium reserves. Consequently, South America's lithium resources play a pivotal role in the global energy transition.

Against this backdrop, SMM organized the 2025 SMM South American Lithium Resources Field Trip. Led by Chen Siyu, the project manager of SMM's overseas South American lithium resources field trip, and Zhou Zhicheng, a senior analyst in new energy and lithium batteries, the delegation visited South American lithium-related enterprises, toured local lithium ore and material companies, and held discussions with company executives from May 15 to May 26, 2025, to explore potential opportunities in lithium resource development, technological exchanges, and investment cooperation. On May 21, SMM and delegation members headed to CBL for in-depth exchanges.

Company Profile

Upon arriving at CBL, SMM and delegation members were warmly received by Antonio Marco and his team, who coordinate marketing and logistics at the company. They provided a detailed introduction to the company's business development.

The company's MINA DA CACHOEIRA project, located in the cities of ARACUAI and ITINGA, Brazil, is an underground lithium mine with a depth of 220 meters and ore veins extending up to 14 kilometers. The mine primarily exploits high-quality spodumene ore veins, which include quartz, feldspar, mica, and spodumene, with abundant resources. The proven and indicated resources amount to 4.5 million mt, with a lithium content of 1.4% Li₂O. The project has an annual production capacity of 45,000 mt of spodumene concentrates, with a lithium content of 5.5% Li₂O.

Mine Tour

Following the tour, SMM and delegation members took a group photo with CBL representatives to strengthen their cooperative friendship, believing that deeper exchanges and collaborations will follow.

Through this field trip and survey, SMM and delegation members gained a deeper understanding of CBL's development, as well as a more profound insight into the market status, development trends, and existing challenges of the South American lithium battery industry. They will continue to deepen cooperation with major enterprises to achieve complementary advantages and promote the development of the lithium battery industry.