Core Lithium Ltd says mining operations have commenced at the Grants open pit, part of the company’s wholly-owned Finniss Lithium Operation in the Northern Territory of Australia.
Mining activities are now underway at Finniss, including blasting and excavation works. This represents an important operational milestone for Core and marks the physical commencement of mining as the company progresses its staged return to production, it says. It also signals the transition toward near-term production and cash flow generation, with Finniss on track to re-enter the spodumene market in the December quarter.
The commencement of mining follows the award in April 2026 of the surface mining services contract to NRW Pty Ltd for open-pit mining at Grants. The Grants open pit forms an important part of the Finniss execution plan, providing a near-term source of ore feed for the Finniss processing plant. At the same time, the underground development at BP33 is progressing on schedule, with Develop Global Limited named as the underground mining services contractor just last week.
The optimised Grants pit design provides access to approximately 784,000 t of ore and is expected to deliver approximately 134,000 t of SC5 product.
Ore from Grants is expected to be processed during the September quarter, with the first spodumene concentrate shipment targeted in the December quarter, followed by further shipments into 2027.
Core Managing Director, Paul Brown, said: “The commencement of mining at Grants marks the start of Finniss returning to production, with first ore expected to be processed in the September quarter and first shipment targeted for the December quarter.
“In less than three months since final investment decision, we have secured funding, awarded key mining contracts and transitioned to active mining, demonstrating disciplined execution.
“Grants provides a low-risk, near-term ore source to underpin early production and cashflow, while BP33 continues to progress as the long-term foundation of the operation.
“Our focus remains on safe, reliable execution and delivering Finniss back into production on schedule and on budget.”
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