Critical Resources (ASX:CRR) tightens the permitting pathway at Mavis Lake

In an environment where lithium projects are increasingly assessed on regulatory readiness as much as geological potential, Critical Resources has moved to formalise its approvals strategy at the Mavis Lake Lithium Project in Ontario, Canada.

The company has engaged SLR Consulting (Canada) Limited to deliver a comprehensive regulatory roadmap, placing permitting discipline and stakeholder alignment at the centre of its near term execution plan.

Highlights

• SLR Consulting (Canada) Limited engaged to deliver a comprehensive regulatory and permitting roadmap

• Mavis Lake landholding expanded by 25% to over 400 km²

• Maiden JORC Inferred Mineral Resource of 8 Mt @ 1.07% Li₂O established since acquisition in 2022

• Integrated technical and government advisory framework formed alongside Pathway Group

• Agreement in Principle in place with the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, supported by ongoing Indigenous consultation

• Baseline environmental studies underway to support formal permitting

SLR is described as a globally recognised environmental and engineering consultancy with extensive capability across environmental assessment, permitting and sustainability advisory for mining and minerals projects.

At Mavis Lake, its scope includes establishing a regulatory roadmap that maps federal and provincial approvals into an integrated schedule aligned with engineering and development milestones, supported by clearly defined agency interfaces and threshold criteria.

A defining element of the appointment is SLR’s regional experience, with the consultancy assisting Canada’s first deep geological nuclear waste repository in northwestern Ontario, located approximately 100 km from the Mavis Lake Project, while also being involved in environmental permitting for several other mining projects in the region.

That nuclear repository work is being undertaken in partnership with the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, providing experience in navigating complex regulatory frameworks alongside Indigenous engagement under stringent environmental safety requirements.

Critical has framed the engagement as part of a broader advisory structure rather than a standalone appointment.

The company states SLR’s work builds on its existing relationship with Canadian government advisory firm Pathway Group, creating a coordinated technical and government relations workstream.

This approach is designed to de risk permitting timelines, improve confidence in approvals and enhance access to non dilutive funding opportunities at both provincial and federal levels, including government grants, with the stated aim of minimising future capital requirements.

The company also highlights immediate access to highways, rail and clean hydro power, positioning the asset within established infrastructure corridors in northwestern Ontario.

Community engagement is positioned as a central pillar of the approvals strategy.

Critical Resources has an Agreement in Principle with the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and continues consultation with Eagle Lake First Nation, Naotkamegwanning Whitefish Nation, Lac Seul First Nation and the Métis Nation of Ontario.

Since 2023, members of the executive team have held regular in person meetings with leaders of the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and members of the Mavis Lake Community Group to provide ongoing project updates.

Managing Director Tim Wither described the strategic intent behind the engagement, stating,

“The Company’s engagement of SLR Consulting represents a decisive step in advancing the Mavis Lake Lithium Project, with their global reputation in sustainability and proven track record in complex permitting providing unrivalled expertise and local insight.”

Near term activity is procedural and sequential. Planned steps include reviewing existing site conditions, developing a preliminary permit list, creating a schedule integrated approvals plan, aligning government and stakeholder engagement with permitting timelines, confirming baseline study priorities, embedding compliance protocols and maintaining transparent progress reporting.

For investors, the significance lies less in exploration momentum and more in execution certainty.

Critical is assembling a documented, regionally informed approvals pathway at a time when federal and provincial governments are prioritising critical minerals through funding support and streamlined permitting, positioning Mavis Lake within a framework increasingly shaped by regulatory preparedness and community alignment.

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