Critical Resources (ASX: CRR) has secured a 12‑month exclusive option with the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (SDM) to evaluate a portfolio of advanced lithium-ion battery technologies.
The technology portfolio consists of five granted US patents and one pending application to create safer, longer-life solid-state battery cells with superior performance at elevated temperatures.
They address the heat management limitations of liquid lithium-ion battery technology used in energy storage systems, and aim to widen the safe operating parameters and performance of solid-state batteries in real-world applications.
Patented Material Technologies
The partnership deepens Critical’s strategy by adding to its suite patented electrolyte, cathode, and battery material technologies that target thermal stability, safety and cycle life.
These are considered key constraints to scaling high-performance energy storage systems in sectors including aerospace, transportation, domestic and industrial power grids, power-electronics, and data centres.
If the evaluation is successful, Critical may opt to advance negotiations for a licence agreement to secure access to the technology and accelerate its integration into future growth initiatives.
The would allow the company to access the next-generation technology with a view to accelerating validation, conducting prototype demonstration, and advancing global licencing opportunities.
Complementary Agreement
Managing director Tim Wither said the SDM partnership would complement Critical’s Mavis Lake lithium project in Canada and the push into battery technology initiated through a direct investment into Volt Carbon Technologies’ solid-state lithium-ion battery research project.
“This option agreement marks an extension of our focused critical minerals strategy by unlocking new value pathways from our mineral assets, and capturing the potential upside of our Mavis Lake resource to advance battery technologies and global licencing opportunities,” he said.
“We see immense potential for these technologies to deliver real-world impact, creating safer and more efficient energy storage solutions that address the needs of EVs, grid storage, data centres, and beyond.”
Step-change in Performance
Solid-state batteries deliver a step-change in performance over conventional lithium-ion technology by replacing flammable liquid electrolytes with solid electrolytes (such as ceramic or polymer separators) to offer a superior safety profile and eliminate the risk of thermal runaway.
The architecture enables the use of lithium-metal anodes that deliver dramatically higher energy density, longer driving ranges, and lighter packs.
Combined with ultra-fast charging capabilities, solid-state batteries are positioned as a future power source for advanced energy applications.
While commercial-scale adoption has so far been limited by manufacturing complexity, cost, and durability challenges, SDM’s technology seeks to pave the way for practical deployment through advanced material application, enhanced thermal resilience, and scalable electrolyte synthesis.
