Atlas Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLX) announced that its Neves Project in Brazil was named in a joint fact sheet released by the governments of the United States and Japan for critical minerals cooperation. The document states that both governments are considering financial support for the development of the Neves Project.

The Joint Fact Sheet was released March 20, 2026, by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. The Neves Project is the only Brazil-based lithium project listed in the document, according to the company's statement.

The announcement follows the U.S.-Japan Critical Minerals Investment Ministerial held March 14, 2026, in Tokyo and a summit between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump on March 19, 2026. Both events were part of efforts to strengthen secure and diversified critical minerals supply chains.

Atlas Lithium has an existing partnership with Mitsui & Co., Ltd., which made a $30 million strategic investment in Atlas Lithium common shares in March 2024. The Japanese trading company also entered into an offtake agreement to purchase lithium concentrate from the Neves Project.

The Neves Project is located in Brazil's Lithium Valley region. According to the company, its definitive feasibility study shows a 145% internal rate of return, $539 million net present value, and an 11-month payback period. Atlas Lithium states it holds approximately 557 square kilometers of lithium mineral rights in Brazil.

The company has received operational permitting for the Neves Project and acquired a dense media separation plant that has been transported to Brazil. Atlas Lithium also holds approximately 21% ownership in Atlas Critical Minerals Corporation (NASDAQ: ATCX).