Atlas Mining Company has announced that it has engaged in discussions with several nano-technology companies. The unique tubular halloysite is a primary nano-ceramic material. The unique size and shape of the Dragon Mine halloysite makes it very interesting from the point of being fillers in coatings and composite materials. The microtubules are capable of being functionalized by a number of means including being plated by an electrolysis process with metals from iron to copper and nickel giving them a range of very interesting properties, including being fillers in RAM materials. Additionally, they can be used as molecular sieves, catalysts in hydrocarbon cracking, fillers in polymers and other similar materials. Companies that make ceramic cracking catalysts and molecular sieve materials will make excellent customers for the company. The Company has supplied additional product for distribution and further testing in the paint and fertilizer industry. The company and its advisors are also in discussions with several Asian biotech companies regarding the ingestible benefits of the halloysite time-release microtubules.

Through contacts with the Montana State University (MSU) TechLink Center, Atlas has learned that the halloysite clay found at the Dragon Mine may soon have a greater number of uses and potential markets than was originally expected. In a patented process developed by the Naval Research Laboratory, Washington D.C., scientists have created a new method of controlled release using microtubules made from halloysite clay. These microtubules, cylindrical in shape and with a hollow core, can be used in a wide variety of products. In the case of the US Navy, researchers utilized microtubules to add anti-barnacle agents to paints used on the hulls of Navy ships. The microtubules are filled with the anti-fouling agent, which is slowly released over time. Several U.S. companies are currently looking at microtubules for applications ranging from agricultural chemicals to paints to household products. Although these microtubules can be produced synthetically, researchers have determined that, due to its unique microstructure, halloysite clay may be the preferred source. Halloysite clay is naturally derived, nontoxic and biodegradable.

Moving beyond its historical focus on precious metals, Atlas operates an underground mining contracting business and also holds mining and timber interests in Northern Idaho, controlling approximately 1,000 acres in northern Idaho, and harvests the timber on this property to generate additional revenues. Atlas Fausett Contracting (AFC), a division of Atlas, is a leading mining contracting company in the Idaho silver belt. AFC was the main contractor at the Mayflower Mine, a Brimstone Gold Corp. project, outside of Whitehall, Montana, and for the Holden Mine closure, a U.S. Government and U.R.S. Corporation project on Lake Chelan, Washington. AFC operates under a permit from the Mine Safety and Health Administration and also possesses a permit to handle explosives from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. AFC pursues projects in civil construction utilizing its expertise in ground stabilization techniques, such as grouting, shotcrete, and rock bolting. AFC has provided tunnel construction expertise for hydroelectric work. AFC also works with government agencies and other mining companies to complete mine closures and alleviate potential hazards from abandoned mines. Since AFC focuses on underground mining activities, there is very little surface disturbance, which is the main environmental concern faced by mining companies whose activities are centered on surface mining.