Core Lithium’s Finniss project near Darwin gains major project status from federal government

A lithium mine near Darwin has been granted major project status by the federal government, the second mineral mine in the Territory to be deemed of national significance this week.

A LITHIUM mine near Darwin has been granted major project status by the federal government, the second mineral mine in the Territory to be deemed of national significance this week.

It comes amid Core Lithium’s announcement it had secured six more mineral leases adjacent to its Finniss project, allowing the company to potentially prolong the life of the mine to between 10 and 20 years depending on what’s under the ground.

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Core Lithium’s Finniss project, the first lithium mine in Australia outside Western Australia, is expected to generate more than 360 jobs during construction and more than 250 ongoing jobs once operations commence.

The major project status recognises the strategic significance of the Project to Australia, and the opportunity is has to contribute to the growth of the critical minerals industry.

Just days ago the Morrison government recognised the national significance of the Territory’s proposed a $800m Mount Peake vanadium-titanium-iron mine in Central Australia by granting it major project status.

Core Lithium’s Stephen Biggins.

Minister for industry, science and technology, Karen Andrews. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

TNG plans to build their mine and concentrate plant 235km north of Alice Springs.

Core Lithium managing director Stephen Biggins said the Finniss Project had the potential to open up significant new manufacturing opportunities linked to the mine.

“With our proximity to Darwin Port – the country’s nearest port to Asia – serving as a direct route for our lithium to be processed and delivered to end users worldwide,” he said.

Federal Industry, science and Technology Minister, Karen Andrews said the projects would bring “huge economic benefits to the NT and the rest of Australia”.

“Products using vanadium, titanium and iron are also in great demand and these two projects will see our nation capturing more value from these resources, which will create jobs in the NT and economic opportunities for all of Australia.”

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Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the federal announcement was another exciting step forward for one of the Territory’s biggest job-creating projects.

“It’s critical that we work with the private sector to unlock our rich natural resources. We know the growing electric vehicles, mobile phone and battery sectors are thirsty for lithium,” he said.

“The Territory has plenty of it and we want to become a leading producer.”