US-based Critical Metals has approved a $30-million strategic programme to accelerate development of the Tanbreez rare earth project in Greenland, one of the world’s largest known deposits of heavy rare earth elements (REE).

The acceleration programme will advance drilling, infrastructure development, engineering design and metallurgical work as it targets first ore production in the fourth quarter of 2028 or the first quarter of 2029.

Concentrate exports from the project are expected to begin by the third quarter of 2029.

The board-approved programme is aimed at transitioning the project from exploration toward development and production and includes a $12.5-million exploration and resource programme planned for 2026.

The programme will include up to 6 000 m of drilling using multiple diamond drill rigs, bulk sampling to generate pilot plant feedstock and resource expansion work targeting a potential increase in the mineral inventory to about 130-million tonnes from 45-million tonnes.

In addition, up to $15-million will be allocated to infrastructure acquisitions across Greenland and Australia, alongside advanced metallurgical test work with European refining partners and integrated engineering programmes with international consultants.

The initiatives are designed to accelerate geological, technical and engineering workstreams needed to support the project’s development timeline and remain subject to approvals from the Greenland government.

The programme builds on exploration campaigns completed in 2024 and 2025, which the company said delivered high-grade assay results and reinforced the project’s potential as a long-life rare earth resource.

The development outlook has also been supported by the opening of a new international airport about 12 km from the Tanbreez site, which is expected to improve access for personnel, equipment and supplies.

Critical Metals has also been engaged in offtake and refining discussions with supply chain partners in the US, Europe and Saudi Arabia as part of efforts to strengthen Western rare earth supply chains.