Core Lithium’s latest update on its Finniss lithium project, in Western Australia, has confirmed that the portal has been cut at the BP33 deposit, marking the commencement of the underground decline development at the project.
The BP33 deposit provides a long life, low cost underground production base, with a mine life exceeding 10 years and remains open at depth, Core says, with Dev Mining Services Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Develop Global Limited, carrying out underground services on Core’s behalf.
Underground development will progress in parallel with current open-pit mining at the Grants deposit, which will provide early revenue generation at Finniss.
Commenting on the underground development progress, Core Managing Director, Paul Brown, said: “The portal cut marks a significant milestone for Core and the commencement of underground development at BP33. Achieving this milestone reflects the strong commitment of our team and the support of our underground mining contractor, Develop.
“Since announcing the final investment decision and funding package in mid-March, Core has made substantial progress across the Finniss operation. In just three months, the company has awarded all major mining contracts, commenced mining at the Grants open pit, secured two DSO fines sales and the sale of 5,000 t of spodumene concentrate with the first shipment now underway, commenced underground decline development at BP33 and advanced brownfields works at the DMS (dry media separation) plant.
“The pace of execution across Finniss highlights the strength of our restart strategy and the capability of our operating team. Our focus remains on safely delivering Grants and BP33 on schedule and within budget, with the portal cut representing another important step in Core’s transition to underground mining and the next phase of production growth at Finniss.”
The Finniss logistics chain is now fully operational, marked by the successful departure of a shipment of 20,000 t of lithium fines and 5,000 t of stockpiled spodumene concentrate exported via Darwin Port, with payment to be received before the end of the June quarter. The shipment represents the successful re-mobilisation of Core’s established mine-to-port logistics network, it says, building on the operational progress made at Finniss, including ongoing open-pit mining at Grants and the commencement of the decline development at BP33.
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