European Lithium Gains Momentum from Greenland Venture and Market Shift

European Lithium is experiencing continued positive momentum, largely driven by its strategic stake in US-based Critical Metals Corp. Recent developments include the formal commencement of construction for a pilot plant in Greenland, set against a backdrop of growing geopolitical interest in the Arctic and an improving lithium market. This analysis examines the substance behind the company's recent share price movement.

The broader lithium market is showing signs of a significant recovery as the new year begins. A Reuters analysis published on January 5 forecasts a 55% surge in demand for lithium used in energy storage systems for 2026, following an impressive 71% increase recorded in 2025. This positive shift is reflected in pricing; lithium carbonate on the Guangzhou Futures Exchange rose 4.71% yesterday to 133,500 CNY per tonne, marking a staggering 76.82% year-on-year gain. Key drivers include reforms in China's energy sector, data center expansion, and rapid growth in battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Major investment banks have revised their outlooks accordingly:
* Morgan Stanley anticipates a market deficit of 80,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).
* UBS now predicts a shortfall of 22,000 tonnes, a sharp reversal from its earlier 2025 forecast of a 61,000-tonne surplus.
* Canaccord Genuity views the 2026 market as largely balanced, with deficits expected to emerge from 2027 onward.

European Lithium's shares closed yesterday at 0.18 AUD. Compared to its closing price of 0.155 AUD on December 31, 2025, this represents a gain of 16.1%. Key metrics include:
* Current Price (Jan 6): 0.18 AUD
* 52-Week Low (April 2025): 0.034 AUD
* 52-Week High: 0.485 AUD
* Market Capitalization: Approximately 266 million AUD

While the equity trades well above its annual low, it remains substantially below its 12-month peak. Throughout December 2025, the stock moved within a narrow band between 0.15 and 0.16 AUD as investors awaited project updates.

Critical Metals Initiates Greenland Construction

Critical Metals Corp, in which European Lithium holds roughly 53 million shares, announced yesterday the formal decision to begin building Arctic-capable multi-purpose and pilot plant infrastructure in Qaqortoq, Greenland.

The company has awarded a turnkey contract for this facility to 60° North Greenland. The scope includes:
* An industrial building measuring 80 by 20 meters with a 10-meter interior height.
* Full responsibility for planning, permitting, construction, and commissioning.
* A target completion date for the pilot plant section by May 2026.
* Three functional areas dedicated to pilot operations, core handling, and administration.

CEO Tony Sage described the formal construction approval as a critical milestone for both Critical Metals and the Tanbreez project. The turnkey agreement is designed to provide a clear roadmap for delivering the necessary pilot infrastructure in Greenland's challenging Arctic environment. To underscore its long-term commitment, the company has also acquired a residential property in Qaqortoq to serve as a local office and operational base.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying European Lithium?

Geopolitical Interest Adds Tailwind

Shares of Critical Metals surged 25.7% on Tuesday and added a further 13.5% in after-hours trading. This jump was triggered by reports that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio allegedly informed lawmakers of President Donald Trump's ambition to acquire Greenland from Denmark.

While the Danish government has firmly rejected the idea of the US purchasing the self-governing territory, the speculation has intensified investor focus on companies with Greenland exposure—including European Lithium via its Critical Metals stake. Regardless of the acquisition rumors, the broader US strategy to secure critical raw materials outside of China is providing a tangible boost to suppliers like Critical Metals, which is building a Western-oriented rare earths supply chain.

Project Timelines and Offtake Agreements

For the flagship Tanbreez project, CEO Tony Sage stated that binding offtake agreements are targeted for completion by the end of the first quarter of 2026. The company reports that 75% of the planned production is already pre-sold to buyers in the USA and Europe, with the remaining 25% of offtake volumes expected to be secured by early 2026.

The overall development roadmap outlines:
* Commencement of open-pit operations from 2027.
* Initial product deliveries starting mid-2028.
* Approximately 500 million USD in investments within Greenland.
* Downstream processing facilities costing over 1 billion USD.

Wolfsberg Project Status

Development of the Wolfsberg lithium project in Austria remains suspended pending a sustained recovery in lithium prices. This stance was reinforced in late 2025 when an Austrian federal administrative court revoked a previously granted exemption from a full environmental impact assessment, introducing additional procedural steps to the permitting process. The company's strategic focus is currently firmly on its Critical Metals investment and the advancement of the Tanbreez project.

Key Upcoming Milestones for Investors

The investment narrative for European Lithium in the coming months will center on several key dates:
* Q1 2026: Finalization of binding Tanbreez offtake contracts.
* May 2026: Target completion date for the pilot plant section.
* March 19, 2026: Publication of European Lithium's quarterly report.

From a technical analysis perspective, sustained trading above the 0.18 AUD level could pave the way toward the next resistance area around 0.20 AUD, with the 0.165 AUD zone acting as nearby support.