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By Mangeet Kaur Bouns, Benzinga
In a strategic move that underscores the growing importance of critical minerals in defense and national security, Atlas Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLX) hosted a delegation of U.S. diplomats at its corporate office in Belo Horizonte, the mining capital of Brazil.
This recent visit, led by Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources, highlights the rising recognition of Atlas Lithium’s rapidly developing lithium project.
Atlas Lithium’s strategic initiatives in Brazil are not just pivotal for the company but also play a crucial role in the broader context of U.S. efforts to reduce dependence on foreign sources for these vital materials. The expansion of Atlas Lithium’s exploration footprint in Brazil, now encompassing nearly 539 km² (208 square miles) highlights the potential of this region as a significant contributor to the global supply chain of critical minerals. As the world transitions to a greener energy mix, the demand for these minerals is set to skyrocket.
Minerals That Are Critical To Evolving Markets
Critical minerals like lithium and copper will play pivotal roles over the next few decades in achieving the global energy transition, spurring economic development and strengthening national security. The world is gradually shifting towards a greener energy mix, but this transition demands significant mining resources.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the demand for critical minerals in clean energy could surge by as much as six times by 2040, with the low-carbon energy generation sector's demand tripling. Mining and processing these critical minerals are essential for sustaining the military’s technological edge, securing manufacturing supply chains and advancing sustainable development practices.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) has identified 50 critical minerals essential to the economic and national security of the U.S. The Department of Defense (DOD) has identified over 250 strategic and critical materials that support military and essential civilian industries.
Mining will thus play a vital role in economic development. The global mining market size is expected to grow from $2.14 trillion in 2023 to $2.28 trillion in 2024, at a CAGR of 6.5% and will further expand to $2.83 trillion by 2028 at a CAGR of 5.5%. The mining sector in the U.S. employs over half a million individuals and contributed 1.4% to the GDP last year.
However, the U.S. has become increasingly import-dependent for its supply of these critical minerals, particularly rare earth elements (REEs), which are vital for various defense applications.
US Efforts To Secure Critical Minerals As A Matter Of National Security
The strategic importance of mining and processing critical minerals extends beyond environmental sustainability; they are crucial to national security and economic development. Yet, the U.S. relies heavily on imports, which may pose risks to its defense capabilities and economic stability. Since the early 2000s, the U.S. has increasingly relied on imports for its supply of rare earth oxides.
China’s dominance in producing and processing critical minerals may exacerbate these risks, as highlighted by recent geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions. China accounts for 63% of the world’s rare earth mining and holds the largest reserves of REEs, around 44 million metric tons as of 2023. In contrast, the U.S. ranks seventh, with 1.8 million metric tons.
To mitigate these vulnerabilities, the U.S. government is focusing on securing supply chains through partnerships and investments in countries rich in critical minerals. With its substantial reserves of copper, lithium and other critical minerals, Latin America is emerging as a key region for such investments. Brazil, for instance, has the third-largest reserves of rare earths at a staggering 21 million metric tons.
US Diplomatic Visit Highlights Strategic Importance
U.S. diplomats’ recent visit to Atlas Lithium’s main operational office in Brazil is a natural consequence of the government’s effort to secure critical minerals. The delegation included Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources; Benjamin Burnes, Energy Officer for South America; Renato Barreda, Economic Officer, Mining and Critical Minerals; Katherine Ordonez, U.S. Consul; and Tulio Teixeira, Commercial Specialist, Mining Sector.
This visit represents the strengthening ties between the U.S. and Brazil in the realm of critical minerals. It highlights the strategic importance of Atlas Lithium’s extensive project portfolio and reinforces the U.S. government’s commitment to securing its critical mineral supply chains through international collaboration.
The Broader Implications Of Securing Critical Minerals
Securing critical minerals is not just about economic interests but also about maintaining technological and military superiority. The mining and processing of critical minerals underpin various defense applications, from advanced weaponry to essential civilian technologies.
The concentration of these mineral resources in geopolitically sensitive areas adds a layer of complexity to national security strategies. This necessitates a delicate balance between securing sufficient supplies and maintaining diplomatic relations.
Atlas Lithium’s strategic positioning in Brazil’s prolific Lithium Valley, combined with its extensive portfolio of critical mineral rights, uniquely positions the company to meet the surging demand for these strategic resources. With such a large land area dedicated to lithium exploration and with ownership of mineral rights for many other critical minerals, Atlas Lithium is well-equipped to support the clean energy transition and contribute significantly to various industrial applications in the future.
The recent visit of U.S. diplomats to Atlas Lithium underscores the increasing recognition of the company’s critical mineral projects and the broader U.S. strategy to secure these essential resources. With the role of critical minerals growing substantially in importance, such international partnerships and alliances are crucial for U.S. national security, economic development and environmental sustainability.
Featured photo by Dion Beetson on Unsplash
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