Core Lithium restarts Finniss mine after two-year hiatus
ASX-listed Core Lithium has started mining in the Grants openpit as part of the Finniss lithium operation’s restart in Australia’s Northern Territory.
This marks the restart of mining activity, including blasting and excavation, at Finniss since the mine was placed on care and maintenance in 2024 following a lithium price downturn in 2023.
The company executed a A$290-million funding package to resume operations, targeting first spodumene concentrate production in the fourth quarter of the year.
The Grants openpit provides a near-term source of ore feed for the Finniss processing plant as underground development at the BP33 area is progressing on schedule.
The Grants pit provides access to about 784 000 t of ore and is expected to deliver about 134 000 t of spodumene concentrate (SC5) product.
“In less than three months since a financial investment decision, we have secured funding, awarded key mining contracts and transitioned to active mining, which demonstrates 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 Finniss operation,” says Core MD Paul Brown.
