European Lithium Ltd subsidiary Critical Metals Corp. has appointed Michael C. Ryan as an independent director, effective March 1, 2025. His appointment comes as Critical Metals advances its position in the rare earths sector, a market increasingly recognised for its strategic importance in defence and technology industries.
Ryan has an extensive background in defence and government service, having served in the United States Air Force and later as an executive at the US Department of Defence, where he supported the Secretary of Defence. His expertise in national security aligns with his strong interest in the critical role of rare earth elements.
“Rare earth elements and other critical minerals are key for bolstering national security in the West, as they are the building blocks for next-generation defence applications that help us keep our borders safe,” said Ryan. “I am confident in Critical Metals Corp’s vision and the quality of its strategic critical minerals portfolio and look forward to working closely with the management team as they engage with key players throughout the defence industry’s ecosystem.”
Ryan’s appointment comes as Critical Metals advances the Tanbreez Project in Greenland, one of the world’s largest rare earth deposits, with over 27% heavy rare earth elements essential for high-tech and military technologies. His background is expected to provide valuable insight as the company strengthens its position in the critical minerals sector.
He will also serve as chairman of the Audit Committee and his appointment will give Critical Metals board a total of five directors.
Insight and connection
Ryan most recently served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for European and NATO Policy at the US Department of Defence, where he supported the Secretary of Defence and managed policy matters related to European nations and international organisations, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU).
In addition, while performing the duties of Assistant Secretary of Defence for International Security Affairs, he oversaw defence policy concerning Russia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Western Hemisphere.
Before joining the US government, Ryan spent 25 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Colonel. He is a graduate of the French War College, served as a National Defense Fellow on Capitol Hill, and is a distinguished graduate of the National Intelligence University. He earned a degree in History and Soviet Studies from the US Air Force Academy and holds a Master’s degree in International Relations from Troy University.
"Michael is a proven defence leader at the US government, with an impressive and distinguished military background, which makes him the ideal candidate to help oversee our corporate governance as we develop an asset that is expected to produce essential materials for defense applications," said Critical Metals Corp CEO and chairman Tony Sage. "We look forward to leveraging Michael’s public sector know-how and familiarity with the military to help take Critical Metals Corp and our Tanbreez project to the next level."
In the coming months, Critical Metals will progress the development of Tanbreez in southern Greenland and the Wolfsberg Lithium Project in Austria. This includes completing a maiden SK-1300-compliant resource estimate for Tanbreez and conducting definitive feasibility studies for Wolfsberg.
About Critical Metals
European Lithium holds 66,416,641 ordinary shares, representing a 70.4% stake in Critical Metals Corp. Based on Critical Metals' closing share price of US$2.40 per share as of February 27, 2025, this investment is valued at approximately US$226.3 million (A$359.8 million), though subject to fluctuations in share price. This significant interest aligns European Lithium with Critical Metals Corp.’s vision to become a key supplier of critical metals and a major contributor to the lithium-ion battery supply chain in Europe.
Critical Metals is focused on producing strategic metals and minerals essential for electrification and next-generation technologies in Europe and its western world partners. The company’s flagship asset, the Tanbreez Rare Earths Project in Greenland, is among the world's largest rare earth deposits. Additionally, its Wolfsberg Lithium Project in Carinthia, Austria—270 km south of Vienna—is the first fully permitted lithium mine in Europe, strategically positioned with access to road and rail infrastructure. Wolfsberg is set to become a key lithium producer, supported by offtake and downstream partnerships, strengthening the European supply chain.
Further diversifying its portfolio, Critical Metals holds a 20% interest in prospective Austrian mineral projects previously owned by European Lithium. With its strategic asset base, the company is well-positioned to be a reliable supplier of critical minerals essential for defence applications, clean energy transition, and emerging technologies in the western world.