Atlas Critical Minerals Corp. (ATCX; NASDAQ) announced the commencement of trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on January 9, 2026. The company, which holds a diversified portfolio of rare earths, graphite, uranium, and iron ore projects across Brazil, now operates under the ticker symbol "ATCX."
According to the company, it controls over 218,000 hectares of mineral rights, making it one of the largest critical minerals portfolios among publicly traded companies. Its holdings span multiple sectors vital to energy transition, defense, and advanced technology applications. "Our Nasdaq listing represents a transformational milestone, allowing enhanced visibility at a global scale and expanding access to institutional investors," said CEO and Chairman Marc Fogassa in a company news release.
Among the company's active assets is the Alto do Paranaíba Rare Earths Project, which features high-grade mineralization with surface sample results reaching up to 28,870 parts per million (ppm) of Total Rare Earths Oxide (TREO). Initial drilling confirmed near-surface mineralization, including intercepts of 12 meters at 5,961 ppm TREO. A second rare earths project, Iporá, targets ionic clay mineralization and has returned metallurgical recoveries exceeding 60% for Magnetic Rare Earths Oxide (MREO).
In graphite, Atlas Critical Minerals reported 99.9995% carbon purity from its Malacacheta Project, as tested and confirmed by an independent U.S.-based laboratory. This level meets nuclear-grade specifications, a market segment that commands a significant pricing premium over standard battery-grade graphite.
The company also holds 143,725 hectares of mineral rights with uranium potential. Some of these areas are adjacent to restricted zones in Brazil where uranium reserves are considered high. The company has indicated it is actively evaluating these holdings in anticipation of possible regulatory shifts in the country's uranium sector.
Separately, the Rio Piracicaba Iron Ore Project began generating revenue in November 2025. Under an agreement with a third-party processor, Atlas transports iron ore six days per week to a nearby facility, where it is converted into sinter feed. The company receives payments based on a percentage of the Platts IODEX 62% Fe benchmark, with a floor price in place to stabilize returns.
Atlas Critical Minerals is a subsidiary of Atlas Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLX), which currently holds approximately 21% ownership in the company. Atlas Lithium Corp. (ATLX:NASDAQ) stated that the Nasdaq listing of its critical minerals unit provides shareholders with broader exposure to strategic materials, including rare earths, graphite, and uranium.
Rare Earth Elements and the Push for Supply Chain Sovereignty
According to a January 11 report from Reuters, the United States significantly accelerated its push to build a domestic rare earth supply chain, motivated by concerns over geopolitical instability and heavy reliance on Chinese production. The urgency was underscored by the looming expiration of the temporary U.S.–China trade truce in November 2026, a milestone that many analysts believed could reignite fears of disrupted access to critical materials. NAI500 reported that U.S. policymakers ramped up funding and support for rare earth projects, emphasizing the importance of reducing supply chain risk across industries.
On January 15, Bloomberg reported that rare earths received record levels of investor funding in 2025 as part of the United States' broader strategy to counterbalance China's dominance. At the time, China controlled approximately 60% of the world's rare earth mining output and over 90% of refining capacity, according to the International Energy Agency. This level of control created a supply imbalance that left Western industries vulnerable to potential shocks. As Bloomberg noted, the Biden administration's new supply chain proclamation marked a continuation of national security initiatives aimed at boosting U.S. resilience in critical minerals.
While demand for rare earths remained robust, the market experienced short-term volatility tied to development-stage concerns. Trefis wrote on January 16 that rare earth sector jitters led to increased scrutiny of financing timelines and commercialization risks, especially among pre-revenue companies. These concerns coincided with elevated development costs across the industry and uncertainty around permitting and infrastructure buildouts.
Catalysts Section: Broad Resource Base Positioned for Cross-Sector Relevance
Atlas Critical Minerals has outlined several development pathways that align with rising global interest in critical mineral independence. Its dual rare earths strategy includes both high-grade hard rock formations and ionic clay deposits, which are increasingly prioritized in supply chain planning. The company's graphite testing has achieved nuclear-grade thresholds, and its uranium portfolio spans over 143,000 hectares in Brazil, a jurisdiction with known reserves and ongoing regulatory reform discussions.
Atlas Lithium's January 2026 investor presentation reaffirmed ~21% ownership stake in Atlas Critical Minerals as a key part of its long-term value strategy.
Streetwise Ownership Overview*
Atlas Critical Minerals Corp. (ATCX;NASDAQ)
The deck identified ATCX as a growth-stage company with exposure to four vital materials, rare earths, graphite, uranium, and iron ore — supporting both energy transition and national security objectives. Atlas described its stake in ATCX as "an exciting new opportunity" for its shareholders.
Meanwhile, the Rio Piracicaba Iron Ore Project has begun shipping product, providing immediate revenue that may support ongoing exploration across the broader critical minerals portfolio. With operations already underway and technical reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission under Regulation SK 1300, the company has moved several of its projects into active phases.
Ownership and Share Structure1
About 30% of Atlas Critical Minerals is owned by insiders and management. Atlas Lithium holds ~21% of the company.
Its market cap is ~US$42 million with ~5 million shares outstanding. It trades in a 52-week range of US$4.80 and US$47.16
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Important Disclosures:
- Atlas Lithium and Atlas Critical are billboard sponsors of Streetwise Reports and pay SWR a monthly sponsorship fee between US$3,000 and US$6,000.
- As of the date of this article, officers, contractors, shareholders, and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Atlas Lithium.
- James Guttman wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an employee.
- This article does not constitute investment advice and is not a solicitation for any investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her personal financial adviser and perform their own comprehensive investment research. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports' terms of use and full legal disclaimer. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company.
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1. Ownership and Share Structure Information
The information listed above was updated on the date this article was published and was compiled from information from the company and various other data providers.
