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Atlas Lithium Granted Expansion Permit for Its Neves Project

(Moderate)
(Positive)
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Atlas Lithium (NASDAQ: ATLX) received the expansion permit for its 100%-owned Neves Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil, enabling advancement in line with its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).

The DFS projects ~146,000 tpa lithium concentrate, 145% after-tax IRR, 11-month payback and $489/tonne operating cost, versus recent prices near $2,200/tonne. A modular DMS plant is delivered and ready for assembly, supported by Brazilian partners and a $30 million Mitsui equity investment.

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Positive

  • Expansion permit granted for 100%-owned Neves Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil
  • DFS projects 146,000 tonnes per year of lithium concentrate
  • After-tax IRR projected at 145% with 11-month payback period
  • Projected operating cost of $489/tonne vs recent ~$2,200/tonne prices
  • Modular DMS lithium processing plant delivered to Brazil and ready for assembly
  • $30 million equity investment from Mitsui & Co. reinforcing growth plans
  • Largest lithium exploration footprint in Brazil among publicly listed companies
  • Approximately 20% ownership of Atlas Critical Minerals (NASDAQ: ATCX) for diversification

Negative

  • None.

News Market Reaction – ATLX

+1.63%
5 alerts
+1.63% News Effect
-8.6% Trough in 26 hr 53 min
+$2M Valuation Impact
$108.53M Market Cap
0.1x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, ATLX gained 1.63%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction. Argus tracked a trough of -8.6% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 5 alerts that day, indicating moderate trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $2M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $108.53M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement secures a key expansion permit, enabling Neves to advance under a DFS projecting 1...
Analysis

This announcement secures a key expansion permit, enabling Neves to advance under a DFS projecting 146,000 tonnes output, 145% IRR and an 11‑month payback. Investors may watch execution pace, funding choices, and the impact of the active S-3 shelf.

Key Figures

Annual production: 146,000 tonnes Internal Rate of Return: 145% Payback period: 11 months +5 more
8 metrics
Annual production 146,000 tonnes DFS-projected yearly lithium concentrate output for Neves Project
Internal Rate of Return 145% After-tax IRR from Neves Project Definitive Feasibility Study
Payback period 11 months DFS-estimated payback on Neves Project
Operating cost $489 per tonne Projected operating cost per tonne of lithium concentrate
Lithium price reference $2,200 per tonne Recent market prices for lithium concentrate cited against DFS costs
Strategic investment $30 million Equity investment in Atlas Lithium by Mitsui & Co.
Stake in ATCX 20% Approximate ownership of Atlas Critical Minerals Corporation (NASDAQ: ATCX)
Ownership of Neves 100% Atlas Lithium’s ownership interest in the Neves Project

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jun 17 (Positive)
Pattern 5 events
Date Event Sentiment 24h Move Catalyst
Jun 17 Conference keynote Positive -0.5% CEO keynote on Brazilian lithium and Neves project economics at major summit.
Jun 09 Conference presentation Positive +4.6% CEO speaking at Benchmark Giga USA, highlighting Neves DFS and Mitsui investment.
Jun 01 Annual meeting results Positive +4.3% Annual meeting showed strong shareholder support for directors and proposals.
May 18 Plant assembly contract Positive -1.4% Engaged contractor to assemble fully paid Neves lithium processing plant in Brazil.
Apr 27 Execution partners Positive +7.7% Contracted key engineering and EPC partners to drive Neves Project toward production.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Pattern Detected

ATLX often trades positively on operational and project execution updates, though several similar positive headlines have produced negative or muted next‑day reactions.

Key Terms

definitive feasibility study, internal rate of return, dense media separation, dry-stacked tailings, +1 more
5 terms
definitive feasibility study technical
"as reflected in the Company's Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS"). Completed by SGS Canada"
A definitive feasibility study is a detailed, near-final assessment that shows whether a proposed project—often a mine, infrastructure or major industrial venture—can be built and operated profitably. It combines precise engineering plans, realistic cost estimates, production schedules and risk analysis to give lenders and investors a clear picture of expected returns and potential pitfalls, like a full blueprint and budget that helps decide whether to greenlight financing and construction.
internal rate of return financial
"projects annual production of approximately 146,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate, with an after-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR)"
A percentage that represents the annualized yield an investment would earn, taking into account the timing and amount of all cash inflows and outflows; mathematically it is the rate that makes the discounted sum of future cash flows equal the initial cost. Investors use it to compare different projects or deals the way they compare interest rates — a higher internal rate of return suggests a stronger potential payoff, but it does not by itself show risk, scale, or timing nuances.
dense media separation technical
"Atlas Lithium's modular Dense Media Separation ("DMS") lithium processing plant has already been delivered"
Dense media separation is a mineral-processing method that mixes mined rock with a heavy liquid so less-dense material floats and denser material sinks, allowing a physical sorting of ore from waste much like dropping stones into syrup where heavier ones sink. For investors, it matters because the technique affects how much saleable product a mine produces, the costs and energy use of processing, and environmental controls — all of which influence profitability and capital needs.
dry-stacked tailings technical
"With advanced water recirculation systems and 100% dry-stacked tailings, the facility is designed"
Dry-stacked tailings are the wet waste material left after mining that has had the water removed and been compacted into dry, layered piles rather than stored behind a liquid-filled dam. Think of it like turning wet sand into firm bricks and stacking them: the result is a smaller failure risk, simpler monitoring, and easier closure. For investors, dry-stacking often means lower long-term environmental and regulatory liability but higher upfront costs and different operating expenses that affect project economics.
form 8-k regulatory
"Details can be found in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities"
A Form 8-K is a report that companies file with the government to share important news quickly, such as changes in leadership, major business deals, or financial updates. It matters because it helps investors stay informed about significant events that could affect the company's value or stock price.

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Boca Raton, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - June 29, 2026) - Atlas Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLX) ("Atlas Lithium" or the "Company"), a leading developer of lithium resources, is pleased to announce that it has received the expansion permit for its 100%-owned Neves Project in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Details can be found in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission today.

With this expansion permit, Atlas Lithium is positioned to advance the implementation of its Neves Project as reflected in the Company's Definitive Feasibility Study ("DFS"). Completed by SGS Canada Inc., a globally recognized leader in mineral evaluation, the DFS positions Atlas Lithium among the most capital-efficient lithium developers worldwide. In particular, the DFS projects annual production of approximately 146,000 tonnes of lithium concentrate, with an after-tax Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 145% and an estimated 11-month payback period. Importantly, the projected operating cost of $489 per tonne of lithium concentrate compares favorably with recent market prices of around $2,200 per tonne.

"We are thankful to the regulatory commission that voted to grant us the expansion permit, a highly significant milestone in our disciplined journey toward production," said Marc Fogassa, CEO and Chairman of Atlas Lithium. "Permitting is often regarded as one of the greatest challenges in mining, and we successfully met this test by working with experts that conducted comprehensive technical studies which confirmed the Neves Project's minimal impact. Equally important, the strong and respectful relationship that we have built with our local communities in the Jequitinhonha Valley has been instrumental to our success and continues to distinguish Atlas Lithium."

The Company's workforce in the Jequitinhonha Valley is set to grow several-fold with the anticipated implementation of the Neves Project. Atlas Lithium pays wages that average more than twice the prevailing local rates in the region where it operates, with its team members enjoying multiple additional benefits, such as family health insurance.

Atlas Lithium has assembled a group of top-tier Brazilian execution partners to deliver the Neves Project into production, including Promon Engenharia, TSX Engineering, Cerne Construções, and Alfa Engenharia. Atlas Lithium's modular Dense Media Separation ("DMS") lithium processing plant has already been delivered to Brazil and is ready for assembly. The compact modular design of the DMS plant allows for efficient transport, installation, and commissioning. With advanced water recirculation systems and 100% dry-stacked tailings, the facility is designed to achieve among the lowest water usage rates and highest environmental standards in the sector.

Future growth potential for the Company is supported by the largest lithium exploration footprint in Brazil among publicly listed companies. This strategic position was further reinforced by a $30 million equity investment from Mitsui & Co., one of Japan's leading diversified conglomerates.

Atlas Lithium also maintains exposure to a diversified portfolio of critical and strategic minerals - including rare earth elements, graphite, and titanium - all essential to the global energy transition, advanced technology, and defense industries, through its approximately 20% ownership of Atlas Critical Minerals Corporation (NASDAQ: ATCX).

About Atlas Lithium Corporation
Atlas Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLX) is a lithium development company focused on advancing its Neves Project to production. The Neves Project's Definitive Feasibility Study demonstrates excellent economics with a 145% IRR and an 11-month payback. The Neves Project has received operational permitting, and its dense media separation plant has been acquired and transported to Brazil. With approximately 557 square kilometers of lithium mineral rights, Atlas Lithium owns the largest lithium exploration footprint in Brazil among publicly listed companies. Additionally, Atlas Lithium currently holds an approximate 20% ownership stake in Atlas Critical Minerals Corporation (NASDAQ: ATCX).

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements are based upon the current plans, estimates and projections of Atlas Lithium and its subsidiaries and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements. Such statements include, among others, those concerning market and industry segment growth and demand and acceptance of new and existing products; any projections of production, reserves, sales, earnings, revenue, margins or other financial items; any statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; uncertainties related to conducting business in Brazil, as well as all assumptions, expectations, predictions, intentions or beliefs about future events. Therefore, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements: Atlas Lithium's ability to successfully assemble and begin operations of its modular plant; reaching estimated production, development plans and cost estimates for the Neves Lithium Project as reported in the Definitive Feasibility Study (the "DFS"), included as Exhibit 96.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, filed with the SEC on August 4, 2025; discrepancies between actual and estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources, between actual and estimated development and operating costs, and between estimated and actual production; results from ongoing geotechnical analysis of projects; business conditions in Brazil; general economic conditions, geopolitical events, and regulatory changes; availability of capital; Atlas Lithium's ability to maintain its competitive position; manipulative attempts by short sellers to drive down our stock price; and dependence on key management.

Additional risks related to the Company and its subsidiaries are more fully discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 4, 2026. Please also refer to the Company's other filings with the SEC, all of which are available at www.sec.gov. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent the Company's views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. The Company explicitly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements unless as otherwise required by applicable law.

Investor Relations
Gary Guyton
Vice President, Investor Relations
+1 (833) 661-7900
gary.guyton@atlas-lithium.com
https://www.atlas-lithium.com/
@Atlas_Lithium

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/303229

FAQ

What does the Neves Project expansion permit mean for Atlas Lithium (NASDAQ: ATLX)?

The expansion permit allows Atlas Lithium to advance its 100%-owned Neves Project according to its DFS. According to Atlas Lithium, this milestone supports moving toward production in Minas Gerais, Brazil, backed by detailed technical studies and collaboration with local communities and regulators.

What production and return metrics did Atlas Lithium (ATLX) disclose for the Neves Project DFS?

Atlas Lithium’s DFS projects about 146,000 tonnes per year of lithium concentrate. According to Atlas Lithium, the study estimates a 145% after-tax internal rate of return, an 11-month payback period, and projected operating costs of $489 per tonne of lithium concentrate.

How does Atlas Lithium’s projected Neves Project cost compare with lithium prices in 2026?

Atlas Lithium projects operating costs of $489 per tonne of lithium concentrate at Neves. According to Atlas Lithium, this compares with recent market prices of around $2,200 per tonne, suggesting a significant margin if market conditions and assumptions hold over time.

What progress has Atlas Lithium (NASDAQ: ATLX) made on its Neves Project processing plant?

Atlas Lithium has delivered its modular Dense Media Separation lithium processing plant to Brazil, and it is ready for assembly. According to Atlas Lithium, the compact modular design supports efficient transport, installation, commissioning, advanced water recirculation, and 100% dry-stacked tailings for reduced water usage.

How does the Mitsui $30 million investment impact Atlas Lithium’s growth plans?

A $30 million equity investment from Mitsui & Co. supports Atlas Lithium’s future growth. According to Atlas Lithium, this investment strengthens its strategic position, complementing the company’s large Brazilian lithium exploration footprint and helping advance development of the Neves Project and related initiatives.

What diversification does Atlas Lithium (ATLX) have beyond lithium through Atlas Critical Minerals (ATCX)?

Atlas Lithium holds about 20% of Atlas Critical Minerals, providing exposure beyond lithium. According to Atlas Lithium, this stake offers interest in rare earth elements, graphite, and titanium, all tied to the global energy transition, advanced technology sectors, and defense-related applications.

How might Atlas Lithium’s Neves Project affect local employment in the Jequitinhonha Valley?

Atlas Lithium expects its workforce in the Jequitinhonha Valley to grow several-fold with Neves implementation. According to Atlas Lithium, employees receive wages averaging more than twice local rates plus benefits such as family health insurance, potentially boosting regional economic conditions as the project advances.