Lithium will be exported from the Northern Territory for the first time, after operations begun at Core Lithium’s newly-opened $89 million Finniss Lithium mine.
The $89 million open cut lithium mine is the first new mine to commence operations in the Northern Territory in more than a decade and is stimulating interest, investment and growth in the state’s rapidly expanding critical minerals sector.
First exports from Core Lithium’s Finniss Lithium Project are on track to be shipped by the end of this year.
Mining on the project has commenced, while construction and commissioning of the concentrator is on track to produce the first concentrate in the first half of 2023.
The Northern Territory’s Chief Minister, Natasha Fyles, said the project would provide hundreds of new jobs for local residents.
“The Territory is entering new and exciting opportunities when it comes to renewables and critical minerals,” Ms Fyles said.
“The Finniss Lithium Project will create jobs for at least twelve years and produce 16 million tonnes of lithium-bearing ore over the life of mine.
“This project will provide hundreds of world-class mining jobs for residents in the Top End, which will also support local business and create new opportunities for Territorians.”
Core Lithium has binding offtake agreements with Ganfeng Lithium and Sichuan Yahua to supply 75,000t per annum of lithium concentrate to each company over four years, as well as a binding Term Sheet with Tesla for four years.
Core Lithium Chief Executive Officer, Gareth Manderson, said it was an exciting time for the company, with customers already secured for the first four years of exports.
“It is a significant occasion today for Core Lithium as we celebrate our successful transition from lithium explorer to Australia’s newest lithium producer and exporter,” said Mr Manderson
“With customers secured for the first four years of production, high global demand for lithium, and one of the best logistics chains and supporting infrastructure networks, Core Lithium is well positioned to become a significant player in the global supply chain for lithium battery production.
“Core has achieved a positive track record in the Northern Territory and we look forward to continuing this with the support of the community and our locally-based contractors, suppliers and workers.
“We are proud of the company’s achievements to date and look forward to continuing our journey to become one of Australia’s top lithium producers.”
Construction on the site, which is located along Cox Peninsula Road will be completed by the end of the year and Core expects to employ about 300 people, including contractors, over the life of the Finniss operations.
Core Lithium has also engaged the Kenbi Rangers, based at Wagait Beach, to deliver a range of services on site, including tree relocation, weed management, cultural heritage monitoring, water controls and silt fencing.
The Finniss Lithium Project is the Northern Territory’s first lithium mine, and it will provide the globe with high-quality lithium suitable for batteries used to power electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
