Critica (ASX:CRI) commenced a significant aircore drilling program at its Jupiter Rare Earth Project in Western Australia.
The initiative serves as a cornerstone of the company's ongoing scoping study, focusing on both resource upgrading and broader regional exploration.
The primary objective of the drilling is to transition priority areas of the current "inferred" mineral resource to an "indicated" classification.
The upgrade is essential for refining mine planning and strengthening the technical inputs required for the project’s development.
Critica has engaged SRK Consulting to update the Jupiter mineral resource model as new geological data becomes available.
Simultaneously, the company is undertaking regional exploration at the Juno and Aurora targets within the wider Brothers Project area.
The expansion is partially funded by the Western Australian Government's Exploration Incentive Scheme, which covers 50% of drilling and mobilisation costs.
The co-funding arrangement allows the company to pursue project upside while maintaining capital discipline.
CEO Jacob Deysel highlighted that this program represents a vital step in advancing Jupiter through the scoping study phase.
Beyond drilling, the company is progressing with metallurgical optimisation and recently achieved the production of commercial-quality mixed rare earth carbonate.
At the time of reporting, Critica's share price was $0.028.