Critical Metals Secures $120M EXIM Loan for Greenland Rare Earth Project

Critical Metals

Tanbreez Project Gains Strategic Backing from U.S. Amid Rare Earth Supply Chain Realignment

Critical Metals Corp. (NASDAQ: CRML) has received a letter of interest from the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM) for a $120 million loan. The funding will support the development of the Tanbreez rare earth project in southern Greenland — one of the world’s largest known deposits.

Tanbreez sits atop a 4.7-billion-tonne mineralized kakortokite formation, estimated to contain over 27% heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) such as dysprosium, terbium, and yttrium. Initial production is expected by 2026, starting with 85,000 tonnes of concentrate per year and scaling to 425,000 tonnes post-expansion.

U.S. Government Prioritizes Supply Chain Independence from China

EXIM stated the project qualifies under its strategic export initiative as it competes directly with Chinese rare earth suppliers. China currently accounts for over 60% of global rare earth production and nearly all downstream processing capacity. The Tanbreez loan represents a significant U.S. effort to diversify rare earth sourcing and reduce dependence on Beijing.

Tanbreez’s resource estimate covers only 1% of host rock, yet the net present value (NPV) ranges from $2.8 to $3.6 billion. Critical Metals aims to complete a definitive feasibility study by late 2025, while also seeking further equity investments and offtake agreements.

Downstream Strategy Includes U.S.-Based Processing Facility

The company plans to process the mined material within the United States, pending support from the Department of Defense. To gain majority control of Tanbreez (92.5%), Critical Metals will invest an additional $10 million in exploration this year.

If finalized, Tanbreez would be the first overseas mining project funded under the Trump administration’s resource policy framework. The project has drawn attention from both public and private sectors, reinforcing U.S. interest in Greenland's untapped critical mineral reserves.

ScrapInsight Commentary

The Tanbreez loan signals a strong U.S. commitment to rare earth independence. As global recycling and critical mineral sourcing intensify, this deal could reshape HREE market flows and trigger new investments across scrap-to-mine value chains.