* Critical Metals advanced to the final round of Kenya’s tender to develop the Mrima Hill rare earth and niobium project in Kwale County. * Mrima Earth Limited Consortium, led by Critical Metals, was shortlisted as one of three American finalists from seven bidders. * Mrima Hill is positioned on Kenya’s southern coast with access to the Port of Mombasa. * The consortium cited combined market capitalization of about US$ 1.5 billion, cash reserves above US$ 400 million. * Development plan targets faster first production, moving from concentrate to separated oxides, then NdPr magnet manufacturing.