Critical Resources Launches Six-Month Solid-State Battery Evaluation Program

A Strategic Leap into Solid-State Battery Development

Critical Resources Limited (ASX – CRR) has taken a significant step forward in the evolving battery technology landscape by initiating a structured six-month evaluation program focused on solid-state lithium-ion batteries. Partnering with the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SDM) under the American National Science Foundation (NSF) supported Centre for Solid-State Electric Power Storage (CEPS), the company is leveraging world-class US research infrastructure to accelerate its development efforts.

This program marks a transition from preliminary optioning to rigorous laboratory assessment of advanced battery materials, specifically targeting amorphous, sulphur-free solid-state electrolytes and innovative solvent-free cathode manufacturing techniques. These technologies promise to address some of the critical limitations of current lithium-ion batteries, including safety concerns and performance constraints.

Innovative Technologies Under Evaluation

The evaluation program is divided into two complementary projects. The first, the Amorphous, Sulphur-Free Solid-State Electrolytes (ASE) project, explores a new class of electrolytes with an amorphous atomic structure. Unlike traditional crystalline electrolytes, these materials allow for more efficient lithium-ion transport and improved interface stability with lithium metal, reducing dendrite formation risks and enhancing safety and durability.

The second project, Dry-Supersonic-Deposition (DSD), investigates a solvent-free manufacturing method that uses supersonic particle acceleration to deposit dense cathode and electrolyte layers. This approach eliminates the need for toxic solvents and high-temperature processing, potentially offering a cleaner, more scalable production route for solid-state battery components.

Strategic Benefits and Market Implications

By accessing the CEPS network, Critical Resources gains multidisciplinary capabilities and federal-grade laboratory environments that significantly reduce development risks and costs. The program’s focus on generating independent, reproducible data aims to inform future prototype cell development and strengthen the company’s intellectual property position, with two provisional US patents already filed.

These advancements align with growing global demand for safer, higher energy density, and more reliable battery solutions, particularly in sectors such as data centres, defence, and mining, where performance under high-temperature and high-reliability conditions is critical. The integration of upstream lithium supply with downstream battery technology development enhances CRR’s strategic optionality across partnerships, licensing, and commercial pathways.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming months, Critical Resources will focus on refining electrolyte formulations, expanding electrochemical datasets, and progressing solvent-free cathode and electrolyte structures toward early prototype solid-state cell assemblies. While the program is still at an early evaluation stage without immediate commercial manufacturing implications, it lays a solid technical foundation for CRR’s future in the rapidly evolving solid-state battery sector.

Managing Director Tim Wither emphasised the strategic advantage of working within a coordinated US innovation ecosystem, highlighting the importance of independent data and early insights to guide development pathways. As the company advances these projects, market watchers will be keen to see how these technologies mature and translate into commercial opportunities.