On October 25, 2024, a panel of twelve representatives from local civil society and government unanimously approved Atlas Lithium’s license application, culminating in the official publication of the permit on October 26, 2024, in the Minas Gerais state gazette. The approval follows a recommendation from the Environmental Foundation of Minas Gerais (FEAM), which had endorsed the project’s technical and environmental merits in September 2024. The license covers all three phases of development—installation, operation, and initial setup—under the comprehensive LI/LP/LO permit modality, the fastest pathway available for licensing in Brazil.
Atlas Lithium now has the green light to assemble and operate its lithium processing facility, which will process ore from the Neves deposit and produce lithium concentrate for sale. The Company’s application process began in September 2023, and this successful outcome reflects the dedication of Atlas Lithium’s team in navigating Brazil’s regulatory landscape.
CEO Marc Fogassa emphasized the significance of the permit: “We are thrilled with today’s announcement, as permitting is widely considered the most critical risk in any mining project. Atlas Lithium’s permit reflects fourteen months of our team’s meticulous work throughout the licensing process and showcases our unwavering commitment to developing an environmentally responsible and sustainable operation in Brazil’s Lithium Valley.” He added that this achievement brings the company closer to its goal of becoming a lithium producer and highlights Brazil’s growing importance in the global lithium supply chain.
Rodrigo Menck, a member of the Board of Directors, echoed Fogassa’s sentiments, pointing out the positive local impact of the Neves Project. “With today’s news and as the Neves Project moves forward, Atlas Lithium will create hundreds of local jobs in the Vale do Jequitinhonha area of Minas Gerais. Additionally, our lithium processing plant is engineered to achieve one of the smallest environmental footprints in its class.”
As Atlas Lithium continues to advance its Neves Project, this permit represents a pivotal step in the company’s broader mission to contribute to the global supply of lithium, a critical mineral in the energy transition.
