Critical Metals Corp (NASDAQ:CRML) shares are trading higher Monday, driven by reports of a massive new federal stockpile initiative that has overshadowed earlier concerns regarding U.S. critical minerals policy.
While the stock faced volatility last week following reports that the Trump administration would drop plans for a guaranteed minimum price for miners, news of a $12 billion strategic stockpile has sparked a fresh rally. Here’s what investors need to know.
Monday: ‘Project Vault’ Ignites Sector Rally
The primary catalyst for Monday’s move is a report from Bloomberg Law stating that President Donald Trump is launching “Project Vault,” a strategic critical-minerals stockpile funded with $12 billion in seed money. The initiative aims to insulate U.S. manufacturers from supply shocks and slash reliance on Chinese rare earths.
According to the report, the venture will combine $1.67 billion in private capital with a $10 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank to procure and store minerals for automakers and tech firms.
This development provides a massive, government-backed demand driver for the types of strategic assets Critical Metals is developing, such as the Tanbreez rare earth project in Greenland, potentially offsetting the financing risks posed by the lack of price guarantees.
Friday: Wolfsberg Mining License Secured
Providing fundamental support to the stock prior to Monday’s news, Critical Metals announced on Friday that the Austrian government had renewed the mining license for its Wolfsberg Lithium Project for another two years.
The announcement debunked incorrect media reports suggesting the license had been cancelled. Chairman Tony Sage confirmed that a final “decision to mine” is expected by late 2026, contingent on financing and continued market strength.
The extension comes as lithium prices have rebounded significantly, driven by tightening supply and demand from the EV and battery storage sectors.
Last Week: Policy Shifts & Financing Risks
The recent volatility in the sector follows reports from last week that the Trump administration plans to drop efforts to guarantee a minimum price for U.S. critical mining projects.
The administration's shift away from price-support plans, citing limited congressional funding, raised concerns that future U.S. mining projects would need to secure financing independently, without the safety net of federal guarantees.
In closed-door meetings, executives were reportedly informed that this could make securing capital more challenging, particularly when competing against state-backed Chinese suppliers.
However, Monday’s “Project Vault” announcement suggests the administration is opting for direct procurement and stockpiling rather than price fixing to support the industry.
Key Levels To Watch: Resistance And Support
Critical Metals is currently trading 4.6% below its 20-day simple moving average (SMA) but is significantly above its 50-day and 100-day SMAs, which are 22.9% and 21.9% above, respectively. Shares have increased 74.36% over the past 12 months and are currently positioned closer to their 52-week highs than lows.
The RSI is at 47.13, indicating a neutral momentum state, while MACD is below its signal line, suggesting bearish pressure on the stock. The combination of neutral RSI and bearish MACD indicates mixed momentum, reflecting the stock’s current indecisive state.
- Key Resistance: $15.50
- Key Support: $14.00
CRML’s Business Model
Critical Metals Corp operates as a mining exploration and development company focused on critical metals and minerals. Its key activities center on lithium and rare earth element deposits, with projects such as the Wolfsberg Lithium Project in Austria and the Tanbreez rare earth deposit in Greenland.
The company’s focus on supplying strategic minerals is increasingly relevant as the U.S. seeks to reduce reliance on foreign sources, particularly from China. This positioning is critical as the market navigates the implications of recent policy changes regarding critical minerals.
CRML Shares Edge Higher Monday
CRML Price Action: Critical Metals shares are up 4.56% at $13.77 at the time of publication on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
