Critical Metals advances Tanbreez by approving Arctic-ready pilot-plant construction in Greenland, strengthening infrastructure, local presence, and long-term project development.
Critical Metals Corp. has formally sanctioned the development of a dedicated multi-purpose storage and pilot-plant facility in Qaqortoq, Greenland, marking a major advancement in the company’s Tanbreez rare earth and critical metals initiative. This decision represents a pivotal infrastructure milestone for the Tanbreez project, which is positioned as a strategically important source of rare earth elements and other critical materials essential to global energy transition technologies.
The newly approved facility will be delivered under a comprehensive full-turnkey design-build contract awarded to 60° North Greenland. Under this arrangement, the contractor will assume end-to-end responsibility for the project, covering engineering design, permitting, procurement, logistics, construction, and final commissioning. By opting for a full-turnkey approach, the company aims to streamline execution, reduce interface risks, and ensure tight coordination across all project phases in a challenging Arctic environment.
The pilot-plant and storage infrastructure will play a central role in advancing the Tanbreez project by enabling on-site testing, processing trials, and secure materials handling. These activities are critical for validating metallurgical flowsheets, supporting feasibility studies, and de-risking future development stages. The facility has been purpose-designed to endure Greenland’s extreme Arctic climate, incorporating engineering solutions that address low temperatures, harsh weather conditions, and logistical constraints unique to the region.
Construction is scheduled to progress swiftly following approval, with completion targeted for May 2026. Once operational, the facility is expected to serve as a cornerstone asset for the Tanbreez project, supporting both near-term technical programs and longer-term production planning. Its location in Qaqortoq also reflects a deliberate strategy to integrate operations within the local community while maintaining proximity to project activities.
In a parallel move to strengthen its regional footprint, Critical Metals Corp. has acquired a residential property in Qaqortoq that will be converted into a permanent regional office and operational hub. This step underscores the company’s commitment to establishing a lasting presence in Greenland, enabling closer collaboration with local stakeholders, improved operational oversight, and enhanced responsiveness to on-the-ground requirements.
Commenting on the approval, Chief Executive Officer Tony Sage described the initiation of construction as a defining moment for both the company and the Tanbreez project. He emphasized that the turnkey contract provides a clear and structured execution pathway, particularly important given the logistical and environmental complexities of operating in the Arctic. According to Sage, the establishment of a permanent office in Qaqortoq further reinforces the company’s commitment to responsible, efficient, and locally engaged operations.
Overall, the pilot-plant facility is expected to underpin the technical credibility of the Tanbreez project, accelerate development timelines, and support Critical Metals’ broader strategic objective of supplying critical materials to global markets. By investing early in robust infrastructure and local presence, the company is positioning Tanbreez as a resilient and scalable project aligned with long-term demand for rare earths and critical metals.
