Critical MineralsPower Modern Life
From EVs and wind turbines to drones, smartphones, satellites and defense systems, lithium and rare earth elements power the technologies shaping energy, security and modern life.
Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
Rare earth elements are a group of specialized metals used in technologies that require strength, precision, efficiency and miniaturization. They are especially important in permanent magnets, which help convert electricity into motion and motion back into electricity.
The most strategically important rare earths are not always about total quantity alone. Composition matters. Investors and manufacturers often look closely at both total rare earth oxide content and the portion represented by magnet rare earth oxides, because the magnet rare earths are central to high-performance motors, generators and defense technologies.
TREO: Total Rare Earth Oxides
TREO is a way of expressing the combined rare earth oxide content in a sample. It gives a useful picture of the overall rare earth signal, but it does not tell the whole value story by itself. The mix of individual rare earth elements inside that total can be just as important as the total number.
MREO: Magnet Rare Earth Oxides
MREO refers to the magnet-focused rare earth oxide suite, commonly centered on neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb), subject to the company's technical definition. These elements are used in powerful permanent magnets that make electric motors, wind turbines, drones, robotics, precision actuators and defense systems lighter, stronger and more efficient.
TREO versus MREO
TREO = the total rare earth oxide basket. MREO = the magnet-critical portion of that basket. A sample can show strong TREO values but still have a lower proportion of magnet rare earths. Another sample may have a more compelling magnet rare earth profile even if the total rare earth number is not the only headline. That is why both TREO and MREO help tell the rare earth story.
Magnet rare earths are a small but high-impact input in many advanced technologies. Recent rare earth export controls, licensing requirements and supply-chain concentration have reinforced the strategic importance of secure non-Chinese sources of magnet rare earth materials. For readers new to the sector, this is why MREO can be a particularly important part of the rare earth conversation.
Key Applications
- •Electric vehicle traction motors and hybrid drivetrains
- •Wind turbine generators and renewable power systems
- •Drones, robotics, precision actuators and industrial automation
- •Defense systems including radar, guidance, sonar and avionics
- •Smartphones, speakers, hard drives, sensors and other electronics
- •Advanced communications, aerospace and high-performance manufacturing
Where Atlantico is focused
Atlantico's current rare earth exploration focus is the Novo Cruzeiro project in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Company's NI 43-101 technical report describes rare earth exploration potential at the project and recommends additional follow-up work to evaluate the source, scale and significance of rare earth anomalies.
Lithium
Lithium is one of the core materials used in rechargeable batteries. It helps deliver high energy density, long cycle life and lightweight storage, making it central to electric vehicles, portable electronics and grid-scale energy storage.
Lithium is not only an electric vehicle story. It is also an energy storage story. As power grids add more intermittent renewable energy, batteries help store electricity when it is available and release it when it is needed. Lithium-ion batteries also power the devices and tools people use every day.
Energy density
Lithium-ion batteries can store a large amount of energy relative to their weight, which is why they are used in electric vehicles, drones, laptops and mobile devices.
Grid storage
Battery storage can help balance renewable power generation, support backup power and improve the reliability of electricity systems.
Key Applications
- •Electric vehicle battery packs
- •Grid-scale and commercial energy storage systems
- •Consumer electronics including laptops, phones and tablets
- •Drones, portable equipment and rechargeable tools
- •Backup power, industrial batteries and distributed energy systems
Where Atlantico is focused
Atlantico's lithium exploration focus is the Novo Cruzeiro project in northeastern Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Company's NI 43-101 technical report describes lithium-anomalous catchments and recommended follow-up work, including additional sampling, target refinement and exploration follow-up.
Novo Cruzeiro is an early-stage exploration project. No mineral resources or mineral reserves have been defined. Further exploration is required to evaluate the source, scale and significance of any anomalies.