European Lithium Ltd (ASX:EUR, OTCQB:EULIF) and NASDAQ-listed affiliate Critical Metals Corp (CRML) have reported that Tanbreez Mining Greenland A/S — which operates Critical Metals’ Tanbreez Rare Earth Project in southern Greenland — has appointed global engineering and environmental consultancy NIRAS A/S to complete a definitive feasibility study (DFS) for a proposed 500,000 metric tonnes per annum (Mtpa) mining and processing operation at the project.
Critical Metals holds a controlling interest in Tanbreez, one of the world’s largest rare earth deposits, and can increase its stake to 92.5% with an investment of up to US$10 million, expected in 2025. European Lithium owns about 60% of Critical Metals’ issued capital, giving it a significant indirect interest in Tanbreez.
“Engaging NIRAS is a key development in advancing our efforts to commercialise our world-class Tanbreez Project, as the DFS is an essential technical report that positions the mine for future production,” said Tony Sage, executive chairman of European Lithium and chairman/CEO of Critical Metals.
“We look forward to partnering with NIRAS, a well-respected firm both in Greenland and globally, to help us unlock enormous value at the Tanbreez Project.”
Scope and timeline
NIRAS will deliver a comprehensive technical, environmental and commercial assessment, covering:
- Final mine design and production scheduling for bulk mining of stratiform kakortokite-hosted mineralisation.
- Process plant engineering for feldspar, arfvedsonite and eudialyte concentrates.
- Material handling, logistics and export options via the fjord system.
- Capital and operating cost estimates.
- Integration of environmental and social impact assessment findings.
- Updated financial modelling and sensitivity analysis.
- Project implementation and construction planning.
The DFS is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2025. It will form the central component of an updated exploitation licence submission to Greenland’s Mineral Licence and Safety Authority (MLSA), in line with the Greenlandic Mineral Resources Act and the specific terms of the granted licence.
Local representation and strategic advantages
NIRAS project manager Anders Isak Stig-Jørgensen will represent Tanbreez in dealings with the MLSA, municipal authorities and local stakeholders. His experience with Greenlandic permitting processes is expected to support a constructive and transparent review of the DFS.
Located near Qaqortoq, Tanbreez hosts an estimated 4.7 billion tonnes of kakortokite-hosted mineralisation, with heavy rare earth oxides making up roughly 27% of total rare earth content. Low uranium and thorium levels reduce environmental and regulatory hurdles, while year-round deep-water fjord access offers direct shipping routes to the North Atlantic.
Leveraging NIRAS’s global expertise
Founded in Denmark in 1956, NIRAS has grown into a multidisciplinary consultancy with more than 3,000 staff across 62 offices worldwide. The company’s track record in Greenland and capabilities in mining, processing plants, infrastructure, environmental management and stakeholder engagement align closely with the needs of the Tanbreez development.
By appointing NIRAS, Tanbreez gains access to a team familiar with Greenland’s regulatory framework and local conditions, as well as global best practice in sustainable project delivery.
European Lithium’s broader exposure
Through its majority stake in Critical Metals, European Lithium also has indirect exposure to the Wolfsberg Lithium Project in Austria — the first fully permitted lithium mine in Europe — along with other European mineral projects.
As of August 11, 2025, the company’s holding in Critical Metals was valued at about US$291 million (A$449 million) based on market prices.