Company owned drill rig – first drill hole completed

Critical Mineral Resources plc (“CMR”, “Company”) is pleased to report that its newly commissioned diamond drill rig has successfully produced its first core from Zone 1 North, marking an important operational milestone and supporting the next phase of exploration and project advancement.

The hole was drilled to a depth of 30m and includes core with observable copper mineralisation. The rig has now moved to the next pad where drilling has already commenced. The next set of assay results are expected in early February.

The rig’s commissioning was completed efficiently and included the integration of a Moroccan-sourced water recycling system.

Key Highlights

• First core has been recovered at Zone 1 North from the Company’s recently commissioned diamond rig
• Visible copper mineralisation observed in the core, consistent with the Company’s expectations and many of the previous holes
• Company-owned drill rig expected to underpin lower drilling costs and improved drilling flexibility
• The drilling team has provided very positive feedback about the Multi-Power Discovery HD rig
• Rig’s capability provides optionality to test deeper targets, including the potential source of mineralised rhyolite
• Strong, experienced Morocco-based team positioned to support an accelerated programme through 2026

Fig.1 First drill core from recently commissioned diamond drilling rig with observable copper mineralisation

Source: Company

Charlie Long CEO commented:

“The commissioning of our company owned drill rig is a genuine step-forward for the project. Having this capability in-house gives us far greater control over the drill programme and paves the way for reduced drilling costs.

Our drilling team is reporting that the Multi-Power Discovery HD is powerful, productive and straightforward to operate, making rapid progress through carbonate and igneous rocks. Importantly it also provides us with the capability to explore deeper targets as required, including as we continue hunting for the source of the mineralised rhyolite.

Credit goes to our Moroccan drilling team, expertly led by our COO Noureddine, and our dedicated JV partner, who commissioned the rig smoothly and installed a locally sourced water recycling system without issue. Morrocco continues to stand out as highly capable mining jurisdiction, not only for its regulatory environment but the depth of practical expertise available on the ground.

That expertise will be increasingly important through 2026, as we progress Agadir Melloul towards production, supported by Moroccan experts with direct experience of developing and building multiple mines, including copper floatation operations”

Competent Person Statement

The technical exploration and mining information contained in this announcement has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Robert Nigel Chapman. Mr. Chapman has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity to which he is…