PERTH (miningweekly.com) – Lithium developer Core Lithium has been granted environmental approval for the BP33 underground mine, in the Northern Territory.

This was the second environmental approval granted by the Territory government through its improved regulatory regime under the Environment Protection Act.

The approved mine forms one part of the wider Finniss lithium project which has been recognised by the Australian and Northern Territory governments as being significant to the economy and holds major project status.

The mine has a capital investment value of A$33.79-million and will create about 60 jobs during construction, and 120 to 150 jobs during operations.  

Northern Territory Environment Minister Eva Lawler said that the environmental approval followed a thorough assessment of potentially significant environmental impacts by the Northern Territory Environmental Protection Authority, and is the second to be granted under the Environmental Protection Act, and the first for a mine.

“We will continue to work with Core Lithium on this project to ensure the best outcomes,” Lawler said.

Core said on Tuesday that the company would now submit a mining management plan to the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade for assessment, which is targeted for approval by mid-2022.

The approval of the mining management plan is the last step in the BP33 underground approvals process.

“The grant of environmental approval for the BP33 Underground mine is another exciting milestone achieved by Core in the development of the Finniss lithium project,” said Core MD Stephen Biggins.

“The BP33 Underground mine is the second mine approved at Finniss with mining at Grants commencing in late 2021. BP33 is a higher-grade orebody than Grants with recent deep drilling supporting the interpretation that BP33 mineralisation is improving with depth.”

Construction of the Finniss project, in the Northern Territory, started late last year, and first production of lithium concentrate is scheduled for the fourth quarter of this year.

The Stage 1 Finniss project, comprising an openpit operation and underground operation, will require an initial capital investment of A$89-million to support yearly lithium production of 175 000 t/y from a one-million-tonne-a-year plant.