ASX-listed Critical Resources has strengthened its position in north-western Ontario’s emerging lithium corridor, expanding its Mavis Lake landholding by 25% to more than 400 km² and outlining a pathway to scalable development as global battery demand rises.

Since acquiring Mavis Lake in 2022, the company has defined a maiden Joint Ore Reserve Committee-compliant inferred mineral resource of eight-million tonnes at 1.07% lithium oxide (Li₂O) and established an expanded exploration target. More than 58 000 m of drilling have been completed, returning standout intercepts including 74.4 m at 1.18% Li₂O, 50.2 m at 1.28% Li₂O and 14.6 m at 1.83% Li₂O. Over 31 new LCT pegmatite occurrences have been identified across the project, with newly acquired claims hosting further untested targets.

Critical says the expanded district-scale footprint secures long-term control over key geological trends in one of Ontario’s most active spodumene regions. The project benefits from immediate access to highways, rail and clean hydro power, with the company highlighting strong government support, streamlined permitting pathways and established relationships with Indigenous partners.

Feasibility-level metallurgical work has delivered near-100% spodumene recovery and a 30% increase in lithium grade, producing a high-grade concentrate suitable for downstream conversion and battery manufacturing.

MD Tim Wither said the counter-cyclical acquisition of additional claims strengthened the company’s strategic position. “Our dominant land position underpins future growth potential across Mavis Lake. Local support from First Nations partners and the Dryden municipality reinforces the opportunity to responsibly advance the project,” he said.

He added that Mavis Lake remained “one of Ontario’s significant lithium assets”, positioned to supply the North American battery supply chain as market fundamentals improve.

Independent analysts expect lithium markets to rebound from 2026, supported by rising electric vehicle and energy storage demand. Critical said its streamlined cost base, ongoing permitting work and technical progress position Mavis Lake to advance rapidly as conditions improve.

The project lies within Ontario’s Archean Greenstone Belt and benefits from a stable Tier-1 jurisdiction, strong mining culture and proximity to major US and Canadian battery manufacturers.