Critical Elements Lithium Corporation’s Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project

Project Update

MONTRÉAL, March 04, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Critical Elements Lithium Corporation (the “Corporation” or “Critical Elements”) (TSX-V: CRE) (US OTCQX: CRECF) (FSE: F12) wishes to provide an update on the Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project (“Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project” or the “Project”).

The Rose property (where the Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project is proposed) is located in northern Québec’s administrative region, on the territory of Eeyou Istchee James Bay. It is located on Category III land, on the Traditional Lands of the Cree Nation of Eastmain.

The Project consists in the operation of an open pit in order to extract lithium and tantalum found in the Rose deposit. Lithium and tantalum are world renowned in manufacturing and automotive industrial sectors, including for, among others, the market of hybrid and electric cars in this era of increasing interest for energy transition. The Rose Lithium-Tantalum Project could play a significant role in greening our future’s economy.

Critical Elements has always considered developing the Project through a sustainable development approach, respecting Cree traditional activities and ensuring the promotion of Cree economic and social development. As early as 2012, Critical Elements entered into a pre-development agreement (“PDA”) with the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee), the Cree Nation Government (then the Cree Regional Authority) and the Cree Nation of Eastmain, which laid out the basis for the building of a cooperative and mutually respectful relationship between the parties.

Pursuant to the PDA, the Crees agreed to cooperate with Critical Elements in the preparation of all necessary environmental and social impact assessment studies for all components of the project and to use their best efforts to ensure that the project proceeds through the environmental and social assessment process provided for in the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, and, if the environmental and social concerns are met, to assist Critical Elements Corporation in obtaining the required governmental approvals in relation to the Project. Since the signing of the PDA, Critical Elements has participated in multiple meetings with the leadership of the Cree Nation of Eastmain, and in various community meetings and information sessions in Eastmain.