Austrian mining regulators have granted a two-year extension to the operating licenses for the Wolfsberg lithium project. This provides Critical Metals Corp, in which European Lithium is the largest shareholder, with enhanced regulatory certainty as it targets a final production decision by the end of 2026.
Located approximately 270 kilometers southwest of Vienna, the Wolfsberg asset is positioned to potentially become one of Europe’s first fully permitted lithium mines. The permit renewal allows Critical Metals Corp and its partner, Obeikan, to proceed with confidence in completing the remaining technical and financial workstreams.
Strategic Stake and Market Valuation
European Lithium maintains a substantial strategic interest in the project’s parent company, holding 48,036,338 shares in Critical Metals Corp (CRML). Based on CRML’s closing share price of $14.01 USD on January 29, 2026, this stake carries a market value of approximately $672 million USD, equivalent to about $964 million AUD.
Share Price Reaction Contrasts with Sector Trends
Despite the positive regulatory development, European Lithium’s shares (ASX: EUR) experienced selling pressure on the Australian exchange. The stock closed Monday’s session at $0.220 AUD, marking a decline of 6.38%. Market observers have pointed to shifts in the shareholder register as a potential catalyst for this volatility. Notably, it was disclosed on January 30, 2026, that Mitsubishi UFJ is no longer listed as a substantial holder.
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This share price movement occurred against a backdrop of firming lithium prices. In China, the cost of battery-grade lithium carbonate has surged to between 168,000 and 170,000 yuan per tonne (approximately $23,000 to $24,000 USD), representing an increase of more than 40% within a single month. Meanwhile, spodumene concentrate is trading in a range of $2,000 to $2,168 USD per tonne.
Expansion Beyond Wolfsberg
Alongside advancing its core Austrian project, European Lithium is pursuing growth in other jurisdictions. On January 27, 2026, the company entered into a binding agreement to acquire US-based Velta Holding (Titan). The completion of this transaction remains subject to final due diligence and other customary closing conditions.
The extended license for Wolfsberg establishes a clear operational runway for the next 24 months. Whether the recovering commodity prices and this regulatory clarity will be reflected in European Lithium’s equity valuation will depend on subsequent project milestones and stabilization within its investor base.
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