The Mining Observatory (Observatório da Mineração), an investigative journalism centre that produces reports, technical notes and scientific research on the sector, claims that it has been intimidated by mining company Sigma Lithium, which operates a lithium extraction mine in the Jequitinhonha Valley.

The Observatory claims that it received an extrajudicial notification after contacting the company and asking for its position on a technical note that denounced alleged violations committed in the municipalities of Araçuaí and Itinga. The document, which was allegedly sent by the mining company's lawyers, supposedly stated that if an article on the subject was published, the company would take ‘legal action’.