Critical Resources (ASX:CRR) said New Zealand's Minister of Energy and Resources granted ministerial consent for the transfer of 90% ownership of five prospecting permits, Rock & Pillar, Silver Peaks, Lammerlaw, Croesus, and Tokomairiro, to the firm's wholly-owned New Zealand unit Goldfire Resources, according to a Thursday Australian bourse filing.

It also received approval from the Department of Conservation to begin minimum impact activities across four permits, with field work expected to begin immediately at the Lammerlaw and Croesus prospects.

Goldfire agreed with Koura Resources in August 2025 to acquire a 90% legal and beneficial interest in the Silver Peaks, Lammerlaw, Tokomairiro, and Croesus permits across the Otago and Reefton regions of New Zealand's South Island. Goldfire also agreed with Euro Gold Ventures in September 2025 to acquire a 90% legal and beneficial interest in the Rock and Pillar prospecting permit.

Its shares jumped 14% in early trading on Thursday.