Atlas Lithium Progresses with DMS Plant Construction; Remains on Schedule for Q4 2024 Production

Rhea-AI Summary

Atlas Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLX) is progressing well with the construction of its modular DMS lithium processing plant in Brazil, aiming for first production in Q4 2024. The plant's compact, modular design and expert team are key factors in the accelerated timeline. The Company has secured binding offtake agreements with Chengxin and Yahua, ensuring a visible revenue stream.

Positive

• Construction of Atlas Lithium's modular DMS lithium processing plant on schedule for delivery to Brazil in Q2 2024.
• First commissioning and production of lithium concentrate expected in Q4 2024.
• Compact, modular design of the plant to expedite construction and reduce footprint and weight compared to traditional designs.
• Secured binding offtake agreements with Chengxin and Yahua, committing US $50 million for 80% of Phase 1 production capacity.
• Metallurgical tests confirm high-quality lithium concentrate production exceeding 6% Li2O with low impurities.
• Visible revenue stream from Phase I production of 150,000 tpa with commitments from Chengxin and Yahua.

Negative

• None.

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The announcement by Atlas Lithium regarding the progress of its modular DMS lithium processing plant is significant for the lithium market and the company's positioning within it. The modular approach is noteworthy, as it represents a shift from traditional DMS plant construction methods. By leveraging a compact design, the company aims to reduce construction time and costs, which can lead to a quicker path to revenue generation. This is particularly relevant given the current global demand for lithium, driven by the electric vehicle (EV) and renewable energy sectors.

Atlas Lithium's strategic partnership with Chengxin and Yahua, which includes binding offtake agreements worth US $50 million, underscores the confidence these industry players have in Atlas Lithium's capabilities. These agreements not only secure a future revenue stream but also validate the quality of the lithium concentrate expected to be produced. The company's ability to meet metallurgical targets with high-grade lithium and low impurity levels further strengthens its market position.

Financial Analyst

From a financial perspective, Atlas Lithium's project development is closely aligned with an aggressive early-revenue strategy. The modular plant's expected delivery and commissioning timeline in Q4 2024 could provide a competitive advantage in terms of capitalizing on the current lithium market dynamics. The investment in technology to streamline plant construction and reduce its footprint, thereby potentially lowering operational costs, is a prudent move that could reflect positively on the company's margins and profitability.

The prepayment from Chengxin and Yahua for the purchase of 80% of Phase 1 production capacity provides Atlas Lithium with a significant capital infusion. This influx of funds can finance ongoing development without solely relying on traditional funding methods such as issuing equity or debt, which could dilute current shareholders or increase the company's leverage.

Environmental Analyst

Atlas Lithium's emphasis on environmentally sustainable lithium concentrate production aligns with broader industry trends towards sustainable mining practices. The use of dense media separation (DMS), a gravity-based method that avoids harmful chemicals, positions the company favorably in the eyes of environmentally conscious investors and consumers. The low impurity level of iron oxide (Fe2O3) in the lithium concentrate is another environmental plus, as it suggests a reduced need for further refining processes that could have additional environmental impacts.

The company's focus on reducing the physical footprint of its processing plant also speaks to a commitment to minimizing environmental disruption. This reduced footprint can lead to less land use and potentially lower energy consumption, both of which are critical considerations in the evaluation of mining projects by regulators and stakeholders.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Construction of Atlas Lithium's modular dense media separation ("DMS") lithium processing plant remains on schedule for delivery to Brazil in Q2 2024 with first commissioning and production of lithium concentrate expected in Q4 2024.

• Atlas Lithium's team of DMS experts is utilizing a compact, modular design of the plant to expedite construction and reduce its footprint and weight compared to less optimal designs.

• Atlas Lithium's plant progress bodes well for its goal to generate revenues by Q4 2024. As previously announced, Atlas Lithium has secured binding offtake agreements with key partners Chengxin and Yahua, who have committed US $50 million for the right to purchase 80% of Phase 1 production capacity.

Boca Raton, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - February 26, 2024) - Atlas Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLX) ("Atlas Lithium" or "Company"), a leading lithium exploration and development company, is pleased to announce that the construction of its modular DMS lithium processing plant remains on track for completion in Q2 2024. The plant is being built at a facility with expertise in DMS processing technology. Atlas Lithium is on schedule for commissioning and first production of high-quality, environmentally sustainable lithium concentrate in Q4 2024. Such an accelerated timeline is enabled by the Company's experienced technical team including engineers with operational DMS expertise from prior lithium projects in Australia, South Africa, and Brazil.

To expedite construction and time to production, and to establish itself as an agile new supplier to meet rising global lithium demand, the Company will be deploying compact modular DMS technology, an approach not previously utilized for lithium processing in Brazil. By condensing components into modules with significantly reduced footprint and weight versus recent DMS plants, Atlas Lithium plans to streamline installation and commissioning. For example, whereas fully assembled traditional DMS facilities commonly weigh 250-300 tonnes, the Company's modular plant is predicted to weigh only 41 tonnes. Modular DMS construction and preassembly are well advanced on the primary 100tph module and the secondary 50tph module. Atlas Lithium plans to carry out a full pre-assembly and testing of these two modules before they are shipped to Brazil. Concurrently, the Company's teams continue to advance the detailed engineering for the initial open pit mine as well as the non-processing infrastructure. These, in turn, will allow expeditious installation and commissioning. Figures 1-5 showcase Atlas Lithium's plant construction progress, and figures 6-8 present the 3-D model of the final plant.

Several batches of metallurgical test work performed by SGS Canada, a leading analytical laboratory, on representative ore samples from the Company's Neves Project confirmed final product grades exceeding 6% Li₂O using standard DMS, a gravity-based approach which does not use any harmful chemicals or flotation. Coarse spodumene recovery averaged 74% with only 0.53% Fe₂O₃, which is a very low level of impurity, and to date, all quantitative metallurgical targets for the Atlas Lithium's processed ore have been met or exceeded. The Company believes that the perceived high quality of its plant and designed production process and of its ore material have been decisive factors in the interest from Chengxin and Yahua as offtake buyers of Atlas Lithium's lithium concentrate.

Figure 1 - Atlas Lithium's Modular DMS Lithium Processing Plant Under Construction.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6706/199182_93d2a54a843edaa8_003full.jpg

Figure 2 - Atlas Lithium's Modular DMS Lithium Processing Plant Under Construction.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6706/199182_93d2a54a843edaa8_004full.jpg

Figure 3 - Atlas Lithium's Modular DMS Lithium Processing Plant Under Construction.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6706/199182_93d2a54a843edaa8_005full.jpg

Figure 4 - Atlas Lithium's Modular DMS Lithium Processing Plant Under Construction.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6706/199182_93d2a54a843edaa8_006full.jpg

Figure 5 - Atlas Lithium's Modular DMS Lithium Processing Plant Under Construction.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6706/199182_93d2a54a843edaa8_007full.jpg

Figure 6 - 3-D Model of the Atlas Lithium's Modular DMS Lithium Processing Plant.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6706/199182_93d2a54a843edaa8_008full.jpg

Figure 7 - 3-D Model of the Atlas Lithium's Modular DMS Lithium Processing Plant.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6706/199182_93d2a54a843edaa8_009full.jpg

Figure 8 - 3-D Model of the Atlas Lithium's Modular DMS Lithium Processing Plant.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6706/199182_93d2a54a843edaa8_010full.jpg

As previously announced, Atlas Lithium has secured binding offtake agreements with key partners Chengxin Lithium Group ("Chengxin") and Yahua Industrial Group ("Yahua"), suppliers of lithium products to Tesla, BYD, and LG, among others. Through an accelerated early-revenue strategy guided by the Company's expert technical team, Atlas Lithium aims to have Phase I production of battery-grade lithium concentrate of 150,000 tonnes per annum (tpa). Chengxin and Yahua have committed an aggregate of US$50 million for the right to purchase 80% (120,000 tpa) of Phase I output thereby giving Atlas Lithium a visible revenue stream.

Marc Fogassa, CEO and Chairman of Atlas Lithium, remarked: "We are delighted to have aligned with two respected lithium industry leaders in Chengxin and Yahua as our first offtake partners. Their confidence in the Atlas Lithium product affirms our business model, which focuses equally on rapid project development and sustainable production of high-quality lithium concentrate supported by an experienced technical and operational team. With modular technology enabling streamlined plant construction followed by rapid deployment and commissioning, and Phase I offtake committed, we remain on track on our goal of achieving initial production in Q4 2024."

About Atlas Lithium Corporation
Atlas Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLX) is focused on advancing and developing its 100%-owned hard-rock lithium project in Brazil's Lithium Valley, a well-known lithium district in the state of Minas Gerais. In addition, Atlas Lithium has 100% ownership of mineral rights for other battery and critical metals including nickel, rare earths, titanium, and graphite. The Company also owns equity stakes in Apollo Resources Corp. (private company; iron) and Jupiter Gold Corp. (OTCQB: JUPGF) (gold and quartzite).

Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 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: 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 Annual Report and in Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on October 20, 2023. 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.

Investor Relations:

Brian Bernier
Vice President, Investor Relations
+1 (833) 661-7900
bwb@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/199182

FAQ

When is Atlas Lithium's modular DMS lithium processing plant expected to be completed?

The plant is on schedule for delivery to Brazil in Q2 2024 with first production of lithium concentrate expected in Q4 2024.

Who are the key partners that Atlas Lithium has secured binding offtake agreements with?

Atlas Lithium has secured binding offtake agreements with Chengxin and Yahua, who have committed US $50 million for 80% of Phase 1 production capacity.

What is the expected production capacity of Phase I for Atlas Lithium's lithium concentrate?

Phase I production is expected to be 150,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of battery-grade lithium concentrate.

What are some key features of Atlas Lithium's modular DMS plant construction approach?

Atlas Lithium's plant features a compact, modular design to expedite construction, reduce footprint and weight compared to traditional designs.

How does Atlas Lithium plan to streamline installation and commissioning of the modular DMS plant?

By condensing components into modules, Atlas Lithium aims to streamline installation and commissioning, reducing weight and footprint.

What are the results of metallurgical tests conducted on Atlas Lithium's ore samples?

Metallurgical tests confirmed high-quality lithium concentrate production exceeding 6% Li2O with low impurities.