Critical Resources Expands Lithium Targets and Advances Solid-State Battery Testing

New Lithium Targets Emerge at Mavis Lake

Critical Resources Limited (ASX:CRR) has broadened its lithium exploration footprint in Ontario, Canada, with the completion of a first-pass field mapping program at the Corona Pegmatite target. The program identified 14 pegmatite bodies across a 5 km trend, including six previously unrecorded occurrences, about 4 km north of the established Main Zone. Assay results received post-quarter revealed a split between highly evolved lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites in the northern claims and less fractionated pegmatites at Corona, sharpening the focus for follow-up drilling.

These findings support Critical Resources’ ambition to develop Mavis Lake into a multi-deposit lithium district, complementing the existing 8 Mt @ 1.07% Li₂O inferred resource and a broader 18–29 Mt exploration target. The company’s integrated approach, combining geological, structural, geophysical, and historical data, aims to prioritise high-confidence drill targets along the Gullwing–Tot corridor, a 10 km district-scale growth zone with multiple spodumene-bearing prospects ready for drilling.

Gold and Tungsten Systems Confirmed in New Zealand

In New Zealand, Critical Resources has confirmed significant mineralisation across multiple projects. At Granite Creek, channel sampling returned tungsten grades up to 16.63% WO₃, with nine samples exceeding 0.67%, elevating the target’s priority amid rising tungsten prices. The company has lodged an Extension of Land application and plans to seek an exploration permit for maiden drilling later this year.

Meanwhile, the Croesus project revealed a structurally controlled gold-antimony system, with first-pass sampling returning up to 13.3 g/t gold and 0.7% antimony. High-grade gold assays at Lammerlaw’s Devils Creek target, including 5.42 g/t from rock chips, further validate the company’s orogenic gold exploration model. Soil geochemistry and structural mapping continue to refine drill targets, particularly along the 10 km Cap Burn Fault corridor, where follow-up drilling is being finalised.

Solid-State Battery Technology Advances to Pouch Cells

Critical Resources has made a notable leap in its battery technology program, progressing from component-level validation to assembling full-format pouch cells using its Dry Solvent-free Deposition (DSD) cathode composite. The pouch cells, currently undergoing initial electrochemical testing with a liquid electrolyte baseline, feature a single-step composite layer combining cathode, solid electrolyte, and conductive carbon nanotubes deposited at room temperature without solvents or slurry.

Complementing the cathode program, the Amorphous Solid-State Electrolyte (ASE) demonstrated superionic-class ionic conductivity of 3.2 mS/cm and stable lithium-metal interface behaviour over 1,200 hours, addressing a key challenge in solid-state battery development. These milestones reduce technical uncertainties and position Critical Resources to advance toward prototype solid-state lithium-ion cells.

Thermal Management Licence Secured

The company has also secured an exclusive worldwide commercial licence from Nanyang Technological University’s NTUitive for a two-phase spray-cooling technology aimed at thermal management of lithium-ion batteries and high-density electronics. This chiller-free cooling system operates near ambient temperatures (~30°C), promising significant energy savings and enhanced battery performance and safety. Peer-reviewed studies show the technology can reduce data centre energy consumption by over 25% and lower chip temperatures by 7°C under full load.

Corporate and Capital Updates

At quarter-end, Critical Resources held A$1.2 million in cash and equivalents. The company raised $319,410 through a non-renounceable entitlement offer of loyalty options, rewarding existing shareholders and supporting ongoing exploration and technology development. Board changes included the appointment of Alfred Chong, a seasoned technology entrepreneur, and the resignation of Nigel Broomham. Exploration and permitting activities continue across the company’s diverse portfolio, including the Halls Peak base metals project and interests in Oman.