Core Lithium has announced that the first cargo of spodumene concentrate from Finniss Lithium Operation has begun loading at the Port of Darwin.
Core has also reported that the Northern Territory Government has authorised the BP33 underground project, the second planned mine at Finniss Lithium Operation.
According to Core, the granting of the mining licence and Mine Management Plan (MMP) for BP33 is the penultimate stage in the approvals process before the Core Lithium Board makes a prospective investment decision. BP33 is roughly 5km from the Grants open pit, crusher, and DMS facility and has a current Mineral Resource of 10.1Mt @ 1.48% Li2O.
Additionally, the company said the ship, St Andrew, is also being loaded with the first spodumene concentrate produced from the Grants open pit and is slated to set sail in the coming days.
“Core Lithium would like to acknowledge the support of the Government of the Northern Territory. We have been able to commence operations at Finniss in a favourable market when it can deliver benefits for the NT and all its stakeholders due to the professional and efficient processes for approvals. The BP33 development approval is another example of this,” Core Lithium Chief Executive Officer Gareth Manderson said.
Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Mining and Industry Nicole Manison visited Darwin Port to witness the loading of St Andrew and to make the announcement that BP33 had been granted a mining authorisation.
“Core Lithium has demonstrated their ability to extract and export critical minerals within a short time frame. This latest proposed mine will be no exception and comes with benefits to local suppliers, local jobs and the Territory economy. Lithium is in high demand right across the world and the Northern Territory has the resources needed for a renewable future,” Minister Manison said.
The shipping of roughly 5,500 tonnes of on-spec 5.6% Li2O spodumene concentrate to long-term client Sichuan Yahua (Yahua) was made possible by agreements for the sale of a 3,500-tonne cargo and a 15,000-tonne cargo announced in March 2023.
“The first export of Finniss’ spodumene concentrate was delivered safely to port ahead of schedule. This is a significant milestone for the Core business, our shareholders and the Finniss Lithium Operation. With the resumption of full mining activities at Grants, we were also able to produce, transport and load an additional 2,000 tonnes onto the St Andrew as part of our sales agreements with Yahua,” Manderson stated.
Core Lithium’s Finniss Lithium Operations has invested over A$120 million with local companies and employs over 300 locals through contractual partners. Core recently created a Community Grants Program to support the areas in which the Company works.
“Our focus now is to safely complete commissioning of the Dense Media Separation (DMS) plant at Finniss and ramp up our integrated operation,” Manderson added.
