Critical Metals has secured formal approval from the Government of Greenland for the mining plan and closure plan at its Tanbreez project in southern Greenland.
The permissions, which extend until September 2050, cover the extraction of 19 critical elements and allow the company to progress towards construction of the mine.
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The Greenlandic authorities’ decision builds on the exploitation licence granted for the Tanbreez project in 2020.
This approved mining plan sets out how Critical Metals, via its subsidiary Tanbreez Mining Greenland, will build and operate the mine at Killavaat Alannguat in south-west Greenland.
It also covers the construction of processing facilities, a port and supporting infrastructure in the area between Narsaq and Qaqortoq.
The closure plan outlines procedures for decommissioning and rehabilitation after the mine’s operational period, to ensure compliance with regulatory and environmental standards.
Critical Metals chairman and CEO Tony Sage said: “Approval of the Mining and Closure Plans is a defining milestone for Tanbreez and for Critical Metals. It gives us a clear framework through 2050 to responsibly develop one of the world’s largest heavy rare earth deposits, in partnership with the Government of Greenland and the communities of South Greenland.
“We thank the government and the Mineral Resources Authority for their thorough review, and we now move forward with the specific operating permits that will take us to construction.”
The government’s decision, granted under sections 77 and 80 of the Greenland Parliament Act on Mineral Activities and Exclusive Licence No. 2020-54, is seen as a major milestone for the project.
Among the approved elements are the heavy rare earths terbium, dysprosium and yttrium, as well as neodymium and praseodymium, commonly used in the production of permanent magnets for electric vehicles, wind turbines and electronic devices.
Other elements include zirconium, tantalum, hafnium and niobium, identified in official materials as being important for a range of advanced industries.
Before construction can commence, Critical Metals is required to obtain additional operating permits under sections 120 and 121 of the Greenland Mineral Activities Act.
These permits will cover environmental controls, marine transport, and health and safety, as well as procedures for the export and sale of minerals.
In March 2026, Critical Metals approved a $30m programme to expedite the development of the Tanbreez project.
