Atlantico Reports Gallium and Rare Earths in All 114 Novo Cruzeiro Samples

Atlantico Energy Metals Corp. reported that all 114 follow-up surface samples from its Novo Cruzeiro project in Brazil's Lithium Valley returned positive results for gallium and rare earth oxides. The laboratory data, issued in March 2026, provides a comprehensive overview of the mineralization breadth at the site, confirming the presence of critical metals in every tested specimen.

The company emphasizes that these findings reinforce the project's status as a multi-element critical minerals asset. By validating the consistent occurrence of gallium and rare earths across the sampling grid, Atlantico establishes a foundational dataset for its exploration strategy, moving beyond isolated high-grade occurrences to a broader, continuous mineralized zone.

Gallium Assays Show Consistent High Grades

Gallium oxide concentrations were detected in every sample, with the highest calculated result reaching 96.8 g/t in sample NCZ-CR-0175. The average concentration across the suite was 72.2 g/t, while the median stood at 74.6 g/t. Ten samples registered between 88.7 g/t and 96.8 g/t, indicating a high degree of uniformity in the upper grade range.

This consistency is significant given that China accounts for approximately 99% of global primary gallium production, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The presence of such grades in a non-Chinese jurisdiction addresses a critical supply chain vulnerability for industries relying on gallium-based semiconductors for defense, aerospace, and 5G infrastructure.

Rare Earth Content Dominates Sample Composition

Total rare earth oxide (TREO) levels ranged up to 2,806.7 ppm, with a median of 315.5 ppm and a mean of 382.8 ppm. Eighteen samples exceeded 500 ppm TREO, and three surpassed the 1,000 ppm threshold. This distribution suggests that while peak grades are notable, the broader resource also maintains a meaningful baseline of rare earth content.

The composition of these rare earths is dominated by magnet-grade elements. Neodymium and praseodymium oxides constituted the majority of magnet rare earth oxide (MREO) content in every sample. This is commercially relevant because NdPr is the primary component in permanent magnets used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and industrial automation, sectors where demand is growing rapidly.

Magnet Rare Earths Drive Strategic Value

MREO accounted for at least 15% of total rare earth content in 96 of the 114 samples. The highest MREO result was 349.1 ppm in sample NCZ-CR-0066, which included 339.3 ppm of combined neodymium-praseodymium oxides. This high proportion of magnet-grade elements enhances the economic viability of the resource by aligning it with high-demand industrial applications.

Atlantico’s management stated that the significance of these results lies not only in the peak assays but in the specific mix of elements present. The data has directly informed subsequent exploration activities, guiding the company’s commitment to advancing the Novo Cruzeiro project as a diversified source of critical minerals for global supply chains.