Allied Critical Metals Inc. (CSE: ACM) announced on October 15, 2026 that its 100%-owned Borralha Tungsten Project in northern Portugal has been designated a Strategic Project under the European Union's Critical Raw Materials Act, becoming the only tungsten extraction project among 46 newly selected Strategic Projects. The designation is intended to provide access to streamlined permitting procedures, support in identifying public and private financing, and greater visibility with potential European industrial customers. Investors may be watching closely given Europe's intensifying push to reduce dependence on critical mineral imports from China, Russia, and North Korea.

Key Points

  • Allied Critical Metals Inc. (CSE: ACM; OTCQB: ACMIF; FSE: 0VJ0) announced receipt of EU Strategic Project designation for its Borralha Tungsten Project
  • Borralha is the only Portuguese project and the only tungsten extraction project among the European Commission's 46 newly designated Strategic Projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act
  • Mineral resource estimate (effective November 16, 2025): Measured 1.0 Mt at 0.22% WO₃; Indicated 12.0 Mt at 0.21% WO₃; Inferred 7.7 Mt at 0.18% WO₃
  • Investors may watch for updates on permitting timelines and potential financing partnerships enabled by the designation

What EU Strategic Project Status Means for Borralha's Development Path

Under the Critical Raw Materials Act, Strategic Project designation provides access to coordinated regulatory support and more predictable permitting procedures. The release states that extraction projects are generally subject to a maximum permitting timeline of 27 months under the CRMA, excluding certain periods such as the preparation of environmental impact assessment reports. The company notes that designation does not guarantee funding but does provide support in identifying potential public and private financing sources, including through European financing initiatives and relevant financial institutions.

Borralha's Resource Base and Historical Context

Located in northern Portugal, the Borralha Project has a recorded mining history dating back to 1904 and benefits from an existing favourable Environmental Impact Declaration, which the company describes as an important foundation for continued development. The mineral resource estimate, effective November 16, 2025, comprises Measured resources of 1.0 million tonnes grading 0.22% WO₃, Indicated resources of 12.0 million tonnes at 0.21% WO₃, and Inferred resources of 7.7 million tonnes at 0.18% WO₃, all reported at a 0.09% WO₃ cut-off grade. Mineral Resources are not Mineral Reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Environmental and Sustainability Criteria Behind the Designation

The European Commission's assessment evaluated environmental and social sustainability alongside technical feasibility and security of supply. The release states that qualifying projects must demonstrate they can be implemented sustainably, addressing water resources, biodiversity, soil and land, air quality, and environmental monitoring. The CRMA's sustainability criteria also cover social considerations, including community engagement and labour rights. The company notes that Strategic Project status does not exempt Borralha from existing environmental impact assessments or applicable European and Portuguese environmental regulations.

Tungsten's Strategic Importance Amid EU Critical Minerals Goals

The EU's Critical Raw Materials Act establishes 2030 as a target for the bloc to source at least 10% of its annual strategic raw material consumption through domestic extraction. Tungsten has been designated a critical raw material by both the United States and the European Union, with the release noting that China, Russia, and North Korea account for a significant proportion of global tungsten supply. The Borralha Project's inclusion among the 46 Strategic Projects positions Allied as a potential contributor to Europe's efforts to diversify and secure its industrial mineral supply chains.