- NIU Invest raises Critical Metals stake to 69.62% for majority control
- Molulu mine targets 10,000 tons/month with plans to add concentrator
- Move aligns with NIU’s global mining expansion amid firm’s high debt
Investment firm NIU Invest SE has increased its stake in Critical Metals PLC to 69.62%, according to a statement from the operator of the Molulu copper and cobalt project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
NIU Invest SE now holds 70.8 million ordinary shares, giving it a majority stake in the mining company.
The Molulu project, located about 100 kilometers north of Lubumbashi in Haut-Katanga province, is described as a small-scale mine still in its development phase. “The mining we’ve engaged in has been very rudimentary,” Critical Metals CEO Russell Fryer said in 2024. Basically, it’s a very simple truck-and-shovel operation – with the goal of producing 10 000 tonnes of copper ore a month – whereby we’ve been taking off the oxide cap, loading it into trucks and then despatching the ore to Lubumbashi.” The company also plans to acquire a concentrator to improve ore grade and reduce transportation costs.
Led by Austrian investor Cevdet Caner, NIU Invest SE aims to become an integrated mining operator with assets across North America, Latin America, Africa, and Europe. This increased stake in Critical Metals is part of that expansion strategy, according to financial publication Bankable.
The share increase comes one month after a previous operation in August 2025, which raised NIU’s stake to 60.34% through the subscription of 61.4 million new ordinary shares. That move made NIU the majority shareholder, surpassing the Bank of New York. By solidifying its position, the firm is demonstrating its confidence in the potential of Molulu, despite Critical Metals’ challenging financial situation, marked by losses and high debt.
Critical Metals has indicated it is working on cost-reduction measures and profitability improvements to stabilize its operations.