Critica Initiates Scoping Study on Integrated Underground Concept for Mt Lindsay Tin-Tungsten Project

Critica (ASX: CRI) has adopted a fresh first-principles approach in its scoping study to evaluate how the large Mt Lindsay tin-tungsten resource in Tasmania can be developed in a strengthening commodity market while meeting current mining, environmental, and commercial expectations.

Critica is re-assessing the historical open-pit design as a “fundamentally different” underground development concept, integrating mine design, infrastructure, processing, and environmental considerations from the outset against a backdrop of high-demand markets and global supply chain security concerns.

The company expects this new approach to substantially reduce surface disturbance, leveraging access to the state’s hydroelectric power and opportunities for lower-emission electrification.

Potential for additional byproducts including copper, boron, fluorspar, and other minerals is also being evaluated.

First-Principles Approach

Chief executive officer Jacob Deysel said new-world thinking had shaped the scoping study’s approach.

“We have gone back to first principles, evaluating every major component as part of an integrated development concept with the objective of building a better Mt Lindsay—one that is technically robust, commercially compelling, and designed responsibly from the outset,” he said.

“Mt Lindsay has long been recognised as one of Australia’s largest undeveloped tin-tungsten resources—the resource hasn’t changed, but the world around it has.”

“Tin and tungsten markets have strengthened materially, tungsten has become increasingly strategic to global technology, manufacturing, and defence supply chains and the importance of secure and diversified supply has never been clearer.”

“We have the opportunity to step back, challenge historical assumptions, and build the right project for today’s world, not simply update yesterday’s design.”

Mineral Resource Update

The scoping study is being conducted in parallel with an update to the Mt Lindsay mineral resource estimate, which will provide the basis for final underground mine optimisation and scheduling.

The study is due for completion before year end and any future development will remain subject to detailed environmental studies, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory approvals.

Mt Lindsay forms a key part of Critica’s growing Australian critical minerals platform alongside its flagship Jupiter rare earths project in Western Australia.

“We are excited by the opportunity to advance a strategic Australian asset with the potential to diversify the supply of two essential minerals while creating meaningful investment, employment, and economic benefits for Tasmania,” Mr Deysel added.