Market Flash on Critical Metals Corp. (CRML)

Short interest activity in Critical Metals Corp. (CRML) has intensified sharply, signaling a potential supply shock in the securities lending market. EquiLend Borrow Quantity climbed 59% month over month to a peak of 18.1 million by January 16, tightening lendable supply and pushing EquiLend Utilization from 86% to a near-maxed 99% over the same period.

The tightening has coincided with a sharp repricing of CRML shares, which rose from late-December lows of roughly $6.90 to a peak of $17.92 by mid-January. The rally gained traction as the stock jumped from $11.81 to $13.75 following pilot plant construction approval in Greenland, then accelerated further on strong drilling results.

However, renewed short interest suggests a growing bet against the rally, with U.S.–Europe tensions over Greenland adding uncertainty for drilling companies. With short interest rising alongside positive price momentum, EquiLend Short Squeeze Score hit 73 as of January 20, indicating volatility and more price movements may be on the horizon for CRML.