Critica advances underground development plan for Mt Lindsay

18 August 2026 | North-west Tasmania

Critica Limited is advancing a new underground development concept for its wholly owned Mt Lindsay tin-tungsten project, with a scoping study led by DRA Global targeted for completion in the September 2026 quarter.

The study is reassessing the project from first principles rather than updating the historical open-pit concept. Work is integrating mine design, infrastructure, materials handling, processing and environmental considerations to identify a development configuration suited to current technical and commercial conditions.

Underground design reduces surface footprint

Critica is evaluating a portal within an existing historical quarry about 600 metres from the potential plant site. The concept would use underground development to access the Main Skarn and No. 2 Skarn mineralised systems while keeping most mining activity below the surface.

Long-hole open stoping with backfill was identified in earlier studies. The current program is reassessing mine design, sequencing and production scheduling against an updated mineral resource estimate. Backfill options are also being evaluated to reduce permanent surface tailings storage and support underground extraction.

Surface infrastructure is being designed as an integrated system around the proposed underground mine. The study is considering conveyors and other materials-handling options that could reduce truck movements and new road construction, while existing sealed-road access and transmission infrastructure may support electrification and lower-emission equipment.

Strategic project in an established mining region

Mt Lindsay is one of Australia's largest undeveloped tin-tungsten resources and is located in an established mining district with access to hydroelectric power, roads, rail and port infrastructure. Critica is also evaluating potential by-products including copper, boron and fluorspar.

The company says a development could deliver investment and employment benefits for Tasmania if the study supports further advancement. Any workforce impact remains dependent on study outcomes, approvals, funding and a future development decision.

Next steps

DRA Global is continuing mine-design, infrastructure-optimisation, processing and development-planning work ahead of the Q3 2026 study target. Final portal and plant locations remain subject to engineering, environmental assessment and regulatory approvals.

The next milestone will clarify the proposed mining scale, schedule, processing route and concept-level economics, providing the basis for Critica to determine whether Mt Lindsay should progress to more detailed studies.

Source: Critica Limited, "Unlocking Value at the Mt Lindsay Tin-Tungsten Project Through Underground Development", 18 August 2026.