European Lithium Bolsters Balance Sheet with Strategic Asset Sale

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Australian mining firm European Lithium enters 2026 with a fundamentally strengthened financial position. A partial divestment of its stake in Critical Metals Corp has provided the company with substantial liquidity while allowing it to retain a significant strategic holding worth nearly one billion Australian dollars.

The company's cash reserves were significantly enhanced through two key transactions. During the December quarter, European Lithium sold 9.88 million shares in Critical Metals Corp, generating proceeds of A$184.6 million. This was followed by a further sale of 5 million shares on January 21, which yielded an additional A$118 million.

Despite these sales, European Lithium remains the largest shareholder in Critical Metals, retaining a 39.5% stake comprising 48 million shares. Based on a share price of US$14.01 as of January 29, the market value of this remaining position is approximately US$672 million.

Financial Snapshot

• Cash Position: A$314 million (as of end-January 2026)
• Remaining CRML Stake: 48 million shares (39.5%)
• Value of CRML Holding: ~A$964 million
• Recent Acquisition: Announced deal for Velta Holding

Portfolio Diversification into Titanium

In a move to diversify its portfolio of critical minerals, European Lithium announced on January 27 its agreement to acquire Velta Holding. The US-based company operates titanium mining and processing assets in Ukraine. The transaction is structured as a share-based deal, to be financed entirely through the issuance of approximately 173 million new European Lithium shares.

This acquisition positions the company within the titanium supply chain, a critical material for defense, aerospace, and energy applications. The deal remains subject to due diligence and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Project Updates: Setbacks and Progress

Wolfsberg Lithium Project (Austria): The development timeline for the flagship Wolfsberg project has encountered a delay. Austria's Federal Administrative Court has referred a previously granted environmental permit back for re-examination following objections from NGOs and local municipalities. European Lithium is evaluating its legal options in response.

The long-term offtake agreement with BMW for battery-grade lithium hydroxide remains in effect. Planning for necessary infrastructure in collaboration with local energy provider KELAG is continuing.

Exploration Activities:
* Ireland: Field teams have commenced work at the Leinster Project, collecting over 200 rock, channel, and stream sediment samples. Initial assay results are anticipated during the current quarter.
* Austria: The company has identified spodumene-bearing pegmatites in the Bretstein-Lachtal area. Planning for a drilling program at the Ebner quarry is underway.

The coming months will reveal whether European Lithium can leverage its enhanced financial flexibility to drive operational progress across its project portfolio and successfully integrate the proposed Velta acquisition.