Critical Metals to Supply Rare Earths from Greenland’s Tanbreez Project to U.S. Processing Facilities
ASX-listed European Lithium’s U.S. spinout, Critical Metals, has signed a letter of intent (LoI) with Ucore Rare Metals for the offtake of rare earth concentrate from the Tanbreez project in Greenland.
Under the multi-year agreement, Critical Metals expects to supply up to 10,000 tonnes per year of rare earth concentrate, representing roughly 10% of Tanbreez’s initial projected output.
After hydrometallurgical processing, this concentrate will serve as feedstock for Ucore’s rare earth element processing facilities in Alexandria, Louisiana, and Kingston, Ontario.
The Louisiana facility, which broke ground in May, has received funding and support from the U.S. Department of Defense and the state government.
It is designed to produce high-purity rare earth oxides from mixed carbonates or oxides expected from Tanbreez.
“Critical Metals’ Tanbreez offers tremendous opportunities for Ucore given the significant concentration of heavy rare earths it contains, which are essential for our Louisiana facility and downstream partners,” said Ucore CEO and Chair Pat Ryan.
“Both Critical Metals and Ucore share a vision to reduce China’s influence on the Western rare earth supply chain. This partnership positions us to meet growing demand while addressing national security challenges.”
European Lithium Executive Chair Tony Sage described the offtake as a key milestone for Tanbreez:
“This agreement validates the opportunities ahead for Critical Metals and underscores the strength of our world-class asset in Southern Greenland.
Securing this offtake provides Critical Metals with its first buyer while maintaining the flexibility to supply other U.S.-based rare earth facilities in the future.
We look forward to partnering with Ucore to help establish a robust, China-independent supply chain in North America.”
The companies are now working toward definitive agreements, subject to due diligence, commercial terms, and regulatory approvals.
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