Villeta Update
Summary by AI BETAClose X
For immediate release
5 November 2026
ATOME PLC
(“ATOME” or the “Company”)
Villeta Project Update
ATOME (AIM: ATOM), the world-leading low-carbon fertiliser developer and the UK's only dedicated international industrial scale low-carbon fertiliser company, provides an update on its Villeta Project in Paraguay (“Villeta” or “Project”).
Villeta Discussions
ATOME continues to seek in good faith the negotiation of a solution to its investment dispute with Paraguay and in this context has maintained confidential discussions with relevant stakeholders in the country. In the meantime, ATOME’s debt and equity providers remain patient and supportive with certain funders offering potential further financial support should it be necessary.
ATOME is also working constructively with its EPC contractor, Casale S.A., with regard to a cost-effective path forward in the event that an agreement with Paraguay is reached.
In all the discussions, ATOME has at the forefront of its mind the best interests and protections of its own shareholders, adopting a holistic approach to the issues.
Arbitration
Whilst ATOME remains cautiously optimistic that a satisfactory resolution can be achieved, it is also cognisant that timing is important. The three-month waiting period requirement under the UK-Paraguay the Bilateral Investment Treaty (“BIT”) expires on 17 December, at which point, if no satisfactory progress is made, ATOME will be able to submit its arbitration claims.
In the event that the investment dispute cannot be resolved amicably for whatever reason and the project fails, then ATOME considers that the debt funding arrangements with IFC, IDB Invest, the European Investment Bank, FMO and the Global Climate Fund, together with the preferred equity subscription arrangements with Hy24, IFDK, DEG and IFC (all defined as in previous announcements), as well as the offtake agreement with Yara International and likewise the EPC contract and all arrangements and commitments between Casale and the Villeta Project, will fail and be terminated, including the cancellation of their interest in ATOME’s shares.
Taking into account the robust legal opinion on merits received from ATOME’s legal advisors, White & Case LLP, together with the detailed independent assessment on quantum, without prejudice or limitation to ATOME’s rights, ATOME has been informed on current available information that its potential claim for gross potential damages in the event of success in the arbitration, as presently assessed, could extend well into nine figures in US dollars. Despite the positive legal advice received by the Company, shareholders should note that there is no certainty at this stage as to what the level of a determined arbitration award would be. In the event that arbitration proceedings are commenced, the Company will give further details at that time, including as to timing.
While ATOME continues its discussions, favouring an expeditious resolution and a return to business as normal, the Company will take whatever steps are necessary to act in the best interests of its shareholders.
For more information, please visit https://www.atomeplc.com or contact:
|
ATOME PLC Nikita Levine, Investor Relations |
+44 (0) 113 337 2210 |
|
Beaumont Cornish (Nominated Adviser) Roland Cornish, Michael Cornish |
+44 (0) 20 7628 3396
|
|
SP Angel (Broker) Richard Hail, Jen Clarke |
+44 (0) 20 3490 0470
|
|
FTI Consulting (Communications Adviser) Elizabeth Adams, Ben Brewerton |
+44 (0) 20 3727 1000 |
MAR
The information communicated within this announcement is deemed to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No 596/2014 which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon publication of this announcement, this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain. The person who arranged for the release of this announcement on behalf of the Company was Peter Levine, Chairman.
About ATOME
ATOME PLC is an AIM-listed company leading the international development of green fertiliser with a pipeline of projects across Latin America.
ATOME's projects are situated at the heart of one of the world's largest food export hubs - the Mercosur region in the Southern Cone of South America with the Argentinian and Brazilian markets next door. ATOME's production will disrupt the region's heavy dependence on imported fossil fuel generated fertiliser, contributing to regional food security goals.
In May 2026, ATOME declared unconditional Final Investment Decision on its flagship Villeta Project, Paraguay following the completion of US$665 million project finance backed by leading international development finance institutions and private infrastructure investors. The Villeta Project benefits from a minimum 10-year Definitive Offtake Agreement signed with Yara International, the leading international fertiliser company, for offtake of all of Villeta's green fertiliser production, as well as a US$465 million fixed-price EPC contract with leading ammonia and fertiliser engineering specialist Casale S.A.
Approximately a third of human caused GHG emissions is linked to food production according to UN data, and fertiliser use and production is the source of more emissions than the shipping and aviation industries combined. ATOME's green Calcium Ammonium Nitrate product will contribute to decarbonising the food sector from the bottom up, getting to the root of the food value chain's emissions. ATOME's renewably generated fertiliser is both low-carbon and provides a secure, stable alternative product not reliant on fossil fuels, unlike all nitrogen fertiliser production today.
The Company has a green-focused Board which is supported by major shareholders including Peter Levine, Schroders, a leading fund manager, Baker Hughes, a global energy technology company operating in the energy and industry sectors and Casale S.A, the Swiss-based ammonia and fertiliser specialist engineering firm and technology licensor.
Other information
Beaumont Cornish Limited ("Beaumont Cornish") is the Company's Nominated Adviser and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Beaumont Cornish's responsibilities as the Company's Nominated Adviser, including a responsibility to advise and guide the Company on its responsibilities under the AIM Rules for Companies and AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers, are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange. Beaumont Cornish is not acting for and will not be responsible to any other persons for providing protections afforded to customers of Beaumont Cornish nor for advising them in relation to the proposed arrangements described in this announcement or any matter referred to in it.
Distribution
This announcement has been notified via a Regulatory Information Service and it is not authorised for distribution into North America or any other jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant laws or regulations of that jurisdiction.
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