Interview with Nolan Peterson, CEO, Atlas Salt

Our previous interview: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/posts/atlas-salt-tsxvsalt-all-known-questions-answered-november-2025-8553

Recording date: 2nd December 2025

Atlas Salt is advancing the Great Atlantic Salt project on Newfoundland's west coast to supply North America's deicing road salt market. The project targets production of 4 million tons annually by 2030-2033, representing approximately 10% of the northeastern US and eastern Canada market that consumes 30-36 million tons each year.

The company offers rare public market exposure to a recession-proof commodity with stable demand fundamentals. CEO Nolan Peterson emphasizes the project's competitive advantages, particularly its three-day delivery capability compared to foreign competitors requiring approximately one month for vessel chartering and transit. This logistical edge proved critical during last winter's severe cold snaps when municipalities faced supply shortages and paid premium spot market prices.

Total capital requirements reach C$590 million, phased over four to five years leading to 2030 production start. The financing structure reflects the project's low-risk profile, with Atlas Salt working to secure at least 60% debt financing from sovereign wealth funds, export development credit agencies, and major infrastructure banks. Recent working capital raises included a major Canadian pension fund, signaling institutional validation of the project's infrastructure-like characteristics.

The deposit contains over one billion tons of reserves grading 96% pure salt, eliminating the metallurgical complexity that plagues most mining projects. Unlike conventional mines, operations simply extract product without chasing veins or managing tailings. Remaining project risks center on execution and financing rather than resource uncertainty.

The project will create 200 direct jobs in rural Newfoundland with strong indigenous and local community support. Many potential employees currently fly to mines elsewhere in Canada and have expressed interest in repatriating for local employment opportunities. This stakeholder alignment distinguishes Atlas Salt from Canadian resource projects facing opposition, positioning it as what Peterson calls "a mine that everybody wants built" with profitability comparable to medium-sized gold operations.

Learn more: https://www.cruxinvestor.com/companies/atlas-salt

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