Critical Metals Unveils Saudi JV, 100% Tanbreez Offtake, and $800M–$1B Capex Outlook

Core Viewpoint - Critical Metals has established long-term offtake agreements covering 100% of expected concentrate production from the Tanbreez project, highlighting significant partnerships and advancements in mineralization and purity targets [1][6][21] Group 1: Project Updates - The company reported a transformational year in 2025, with independent validation of its processing approach and the ability to produce concentrate grades of over 3% total rare earth element oxides [2][4] - Management identified commercially significant gallium mineralization, emphasizing its relevance in sectors such as semiconductors and aerospace [1][4] - A larger pilot plant is expected by 2026, with plans for 30 to 50 tonnes of pre-production concentrate for partner testing [4][16] Group 2: Financial and Capital Expenditure - Feasibility-level capital estimates for the Tanbreez project are projected to be between $800 million and $1 billion, with $10 million already committed and an additional $40 million to $50 million planned for the next 12 to 18 months [5][10][11] - The company has executed a term sheet for a 50/50 joint venture in Saudi Arabia, which will take 25% of production for the life of the mine without requiring equity issuance or incurring debt [6][9] Group 3: Joint Ventures and Partnerships - The Saudi facility is expected to produce separated rare earth oxides and magnet-grade materials, expanding processing capacity outside of China [7][9] - A Romanian joint venture aims to create an integrated mine-to-magnet supply chain for European magnet manufacturing, with no capital outlays or debt for Critical Metals [9] Group 4: Operational Developments - Construction has been approved for a multi-use storage housing and pilot plant facility in Greenland, with the pilot plant section scheduled for completion by 2026 [14] - The company has ordered a mobile geochemical analysis center to enhance assay turnaround times, which will be operated by local personnel [15] Group 5: Wolfsberg Lithium Project - The Wolfsberg project is positioned as Europe's first fully licensed lithium mine, targeting production between 2027 and 2028, with a resource of 12.88 million tons at 1% lithium oxide [18] - Legal proceedings are ongoing regarding environmental assessments, with the company confident in its legal position [19] - Drilling in Zone 2 has been successful, and discussions for a lithium hydroxide facility with Saudi Arabia's Obeikan Group are well advanced [20]