Critical Resources Expands Mavis Lake Landholding by 25% with 8Mt Lithium Resource
Critical Resources has engaged SLR Consulting to streamline permitting for its Mavis Lake Lithium Project in Ontario, aiming to fast-track approvals and secure government funding. This move strengthens the project’s role in North America’s lithium supply chain amid growing demand for sustainable battery materials.
- SLR Consulting appointed to lead environmental and permitting strategy
- Mavis Lake project landholding expanded by 25% to over 400 km²
- Maiden JORC Inferred Mineral Resource of 8Mt at 1.07% Li2O confirmed
- Integrated advisory network formed with Pathway Group to access non-dilutive funding
- Strong Indigenous and government partnerships underpin sustainable development
Strategic Partnership to Advance Permitting
Critical Resources Limited (ASX, CRR) has taken a significant step forward in developing its Mavis Lake Lithium Project by engaging SLR Consulting, a global leader in sustainability and environmental permitting. This collaboration aims to create a coordinated technical and government advisory network designed to streamline and accelerate the complex permitting process in Ontario, Canada.
Since acquiring the project in 2022, Critical Resources has expanded the Mavis Lake landholding by 25%, now covering over 400 square kilometres. The company has also delivered a maiden JORC Inferred Mineral Resource estimate of 8 million tonnes at 1.07% lithium oxide, positioning Mavis Lake as a promising asset in the North American lithium supply chain.
Integrated Approach to Regulatory and Community Engagement
SLR Consulting’s appointment complements Critical’s existing partnership with the Pathway Group, a Canadian government advisory firm. Together, they are establishing a seamless regulatory roadmap that integrates technical environmental planning with proactive government relations. This approach is intended to de-risk project timelines, improve confidence in securing approvals, and unlock opportunities for non-dilutive funding such as government grants.
SLR’s expertise is particularly valuable given their involvement with Canada’s first deep geological nuclear waste repository, located near Mavis Lake, and their experience working alongside Indigenous communities like the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation. Critical Resources has formalised an Agreement-in-Principle with this Nation, ensuring that the project aligns with Indigenous values and environmental stewardship principles.
Positioning Mavis Lake for Sustainable Growth
The Mavis Lake project benefits from robust infrastructure, including access to highways, rail, and clean hydroelectric power, which supports low-cost and sustainable operations. Environmental baseline studies are underway, laying the groundwork for formal assessments and permitting applications.
Critical Resources’ Managing Director, Tim Wither, emphasised that the engagement of SLR Consulting represents a decisive move to advance the project responsibly. By combining technical leadership with government advocacy, the company aims to deliver a fully permitted lithium operation that supports the global energy transition while generating long-term shareholder value.
With lithium demand surging globally, particularly for battery materials critical to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, Mavis Lake’s strategic location and expanded resource base position it well to meet North American supply needs.
Bottom Line?
Critical Resources’ integrated permitting strategy could set a new benchmark for sustainable lithium development in North America.
Questions in the middle?
- What is the expected timeline for key permitting milestones at Mavis Lake?
- How much non-dilutive government funding can Critical realistically secure?
- Will ongoing Indigenous community engagement influence project scope or timelines?
