Finniss Lithium Operation

The Finniss Lithium Project includes mining, processing and export of high-grade lithium ore used in the manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage. The project includes the Grants and BP33 deposits.

Mining at Finniss was paused in January 2024 in response to global lithium market conditions. Core is now preparing for a restart which confirms Finniss can operate as a lower-cost, more resilient project.

If restarted, the revised strategy supports an extended mine life of approximately 10 to 12 years, using existing infrastructure and a transition to underground mining which underpins the long term viability of the project.

The proposed restart would be similar to Core’s previous operation but changes focus from open pit mining at Grants to underground mining at BP33.

For more information:

• Read the Finniss Lithium Project restart study factsheet.

• Read the frequently asked questions.

Project history

Core acquired its first landholding in the Bynoe pegmatite field in 2016 and made the first discovery at Finniss shortly after the Grant’s deposit. In mid-2017, Core published Finniss’ maiden Mineral Resource Estimate. 

In less than 6 years since the maiden Mineral Resource, Core advanced Finniss through a Final Investment Decision, and commenced mining at the Grants pit.  

Works to develop BP33 commenced in 2023 but were paused in 2024. Both the BP33 and Grants sites have been in care and maintenance since mid-2024.

Grants project

The Grants Project forms part of the Finniss Lithium Project and commenced operations in late 2022.  

It includes an open pit mine, waste rock dump, ore stockpiles, and established processing infrastructure.

Mining at Grants was approved in 2019, with an extension granted in 2020 to allow processing of BP33 ore.

Planning work is underway and proposes to recommence mining at Grants to extract the remaining reserves of 0.8 to 1.0 Mt of ore. This would occur over a 12–18 month period and once mining is complete, the open pit would be repurposed for water storage. Grants would then become a central water management and processing hub for the Finniss region.

Repurposing the open pit mine would improve water security during the dry season and increase capacity to manage extreme wet season events.

BP33 project

BP33 is an underground mine that forms a key part of the Finniss Lithium Project. It’s located 2.5 km south-west of Cox Peninsula Road and 3.5 km from the Grants processing facility.  

If Core’s planned project restart goes ahead BP33 would have a longer life by extending the BP33 underground mine deeper which requires a variation to existing environmental approvals. The proposed depth would be increased to 850-metres and would extend the mine life from around 3-4 years to approximately 10 years. Mining would take place entirely underground via a spiral decline.

The proposed increase in reserve and mine life would improve the long-term economic viability of the project by increasing the efficiency and long-term use of BP33 infrastructure.

Current Approvals  

The proposed changes to the depth and mine life of BP33 require variations to existing environmental approvals. As part of the plans to restart the Finniss Lithium Project, Core plans to submit a referral to the NT Environment Protection Authority in the first half of 2026.  

You can provide feedback about the proposal from Wednesday 25 February 2026 to Friday 13 March 2026 by:  

Attending a community information stand

• Date: Saturday, 28 February 2026

• Location: Freds Pass Rural Market

• Time: 9:00 am to 11:00 am

• Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026

• Location: Berry Springs Shops

• Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Or by contacting

Phone: (08) 8981 6445 

Email: feedback@truenorthcomm.com.au