Critical Metals Corp. (NASDAQ: CRML) reported its strongest rare earth assay results to date from the Hill Deposit at its Tanbreez project, with drill intercepts grading up to 0.94 per cent total rare earth oxides.
The company said 33 diamond drill holes returned consistent heavy rare earth mineralization. Additionally, the resampling program confirmed the reliability of historical 2010 drilling data.
Critical Metals re-analyzed 1,014 pulp samples from the original campaign. Furthermore, it tested a full suite of rare earth and associated elements.
The weighted average grade measured 0.44 per cent TREO plus yttrium. However, individual grades ranged from 0.31 per cent to 0.94 per cent.
Heavy rare earth oxides accounted for an average 24.1 per cent of the mineralized material. Consequently, the company believes Tanbreez ranks among the more significant heavy rare earth assets globally.
Rare earth elements play a key role in permanent magnets used in electric vehicles and wind turbines. In addition, defence systems and advanced electronics rely on these materials.
The Hill Deposit sits within the broader Tanbreez Heavy Rare Earth Project in Greenland. Additionally, the project contains zirconium and other strategic elements.
Gallium oxide assays ranged between 87 and 117 parts per million. Meanwhile, zirconium oxide values ranged from 1.04 per cent to 3.81 per cent.
Samples also returned elevated cerium, niobium and hafnium values. Furthermore, weighted averages reached 1,684 ppm cerium oxide and 986 ppm niobium oxide.
The company applied a 3,000 ppm TREO plus yttrium cutoff to report intercepts of at least two metres downhole. Consequently, it focused on mineralization considered potentially economic.
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Work reduces technical uncertainty around historical data
Chief executive Tony Sage said the results validated the earlier drilling campaign. He explained that repeat assays closely matched the original numbers.
He added that the company observed precision within a tight two to five per cent range. Furthermore, he said that consistency strengthens confidence in the deposit’s geology.
Sage stated that the team conducted a detailed quality control review. Additionally, the company examined individual rare earth elements to deepen its understanding.
He said the work reduces technical uncertainty around historical data. Consequently, management believes it can advance resource modelling with greater assurance.
Critical Metals emphasized that the announcement does not change its existing mineral resource estimate. However, the data may support future upgrades after additional drilling.
The resampling program relied on pulp samples stored since 2010. Meanwhile, some original samples were unavailable due to age.
Despite those gaps, the company reported strong overall reproducibility. Furthermore, most elements showed close agreement with the earlier assays.
A small number of samples displayed variances beyond expected tolerances. Additionally, the company said it is investigating those differences.
Rare earth projects often face scrutiny over assay accuracy. Consequently, companies must demonstrate reliable and repeatable data before securing financing.
Critical Metals said the expanded dataset will assist geological and metallurgical studies. In addition, it will support future resource modelling and feasibility work.
The company plans a 2026 field program focused on infill and extension drilling. Additionally, it intends to target the Hill Zone, Upper Fjord and Area B.
Infill drilling aims to convert inferred and indicated resources into measured resources. Consequently, the move could improve project economics and financing prospects.
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Greenland emerged as a potential supplier of critical minerals
The company previously released 2025 drilling results from Area B and Upper Fjord. Meanwhile, those campaigns identified additional mineralization near the Hill Zone.
Management now plans to connect mineralized zones through tie-in drilling. Furthermore, it will test open areas between the known deposits.
Subject to budgeting and approvals, the program will include geotechnical work. Additionally, the company will outline commencement dates in a future update.
Heavy rare earth elements command strategic importance because of supply concentration. Consequently, Western governments seek alternative sources outside China.
Greenland has emerged as a potential supplier of critical minerals. In addition, policymakers in North America and Europe support diversified supply chains.
Critical Metals positions Tanbreez as a long-term supplier of heavy rare earths. Furthermore, the company said it continues discussions with potential off-take partners.
Sage indicated that the recent data strengthens those conversations. Additionally, he suggested that improved analytical controls enhance credibility with stakeholders.
The company also continues metallurgical and environmental studies. Consequently, it aims to advance permitting and feasibility planning.
Rare earth deposits often require complex processing. However, companies can improve economics through by-products such as zirconium and gallium.
Tanbreez contains notable zirconium oxide values across several holes. Additionally, associated elements such as niobium and hafnium may add potential revenue streams.
Investors often evaluate rare earth projects based on grade, scale and metallurgy. Consequently, consistent assay results can influence valuation and capital access.
Critical Metals said the resampling effort forms part of a broader validation strategy. Furthermore, management seeks to establish an auditable and standardized analytical method across its deposits.
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Critical minerals are a geopolitical flashpoint
The company applied the methodology to the Hill Zone, Fjord Deposit, Upper Fjord and Area B. Additionally, it expanded the elemental dataset for each zone.
Analysts typically watch heavy rare earth proportions closely. Consequently, a 24.1 per cent heavy rare earth component may attract attention from strategic buyers.
While the announcement stops short of revising resources, it sets the stage for 2026 drilling. Additionally, management indicated that further updates will follow as planning advances.
Critical minerals have become a geopolitical flashpoint as governments race to secure supplies for clean energy, defence systems and advanced electronics. China dominates processing for many rare earth elements and controls significant portions of global refining capacity for materials such as graphite and rare earth oxides.
Consequently, Western nations depend heavily on Chinese supply chains for magnets, batteries and semiconductors. When Beijing restricts exports or tightens licensing rules, prices can spike and manufacturers can face delays. Additionally, the concentration of processing in one country creates strategic vulnerability during trade disputes or military tensions.
Under the Trump administration, some tax incentives originally created under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) have been significantly modified by the 2025 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which scaled back or altered parts of the IRA’s tax credit landscape.
Furthermore, it streamlined permitting pathways and supported loan guarantees through the Department of Energy.
More recently, the U.S. added antimony to its official critical minerals list. Consequently, companies such as Perpetua Resources Corp. (NASDAQ: PPTA) (TSE: PPTA) have drawn attention for antimony exposure. Additionally, smaller developers like NevGold Corp (CVE: NAU) (OTCMKTS: NAUFF) (FRA: 5E50) have included antimony alongside gold production plans, positioning themselves within this evolving strategic landscape.
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