Atlas Lithium Granted Permits for Brazil Refinery Plant Expansion

Atlas Lithium

Atlas Lithium, a prominent U.S.-based lithium producer, has secured key permits from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, to build and operate its lithium refinery. This significant step comes as part of Atlas's ambitious expansion plan to scale up lithium concentrate production by mid-2025. With an expected production capacity of 300,000 tons per year, the refinery will process ore extracted from one of Atlas's deposits, significantly boosting the company's position in the global lithium market.

The permit approval encompasses 85 mineral rights spread across approximately 468 square kilometers in the Brazilian states of Neves, Coronel Murta, Eastern Properties, Itinga, Salinas, Santa Clara, and Tesouras. This extensive area is critical for securing the long-term supply of lithium, a key component in the production of electric vehicle batteries and energy storage solutions.

"We are thrilled with today's announcement, as permitting is widely considered the most critical risk in any mining project," said Marc Fogassa, CEO of Atlas Lithium. This announcement marks a key milestone in the company's strategy to meet the increasing demand for lithium, which has surged due to the growth of the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.

Strategic Partnerships for Global Lithium Supply

Atlas Lithium has secured offtake agreements with leading international companies, including Mitsui, a major Japanese trading house, as well as Chengxin Lithium Group and Yahua Industrial Group from China. These partnerships are crucial for Atlas to ensure its lithium concentrate reaches global markets, as demand for the metal continues to rise.

Lithium is an essential mineral for the production of batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs), consumer electronics, and large-scale energy storage systems, making Atlas’s production expansion pivotal in the global energy transition. The strategic collaborations with Mitsui and Chinese firms underscore the importance of securing supply chains and meeting global demand for critical raw materials.