Core Lithium has provided a development update on its BP33 lithium project and a potential third mine.
The BP33 lithium project in the Northern Territory is the second proposed mine at the Finniss lithium operation.
The project’s $45-$50 million early works and feasibility study is now progressing towards a final investment decision in the first quarter of 2024 (Q1 CY24).
Core Lithium first started early works at the BP33 lithium project in early August, and it awarded the $45 million BP33 early works package to Northern Australia Civil in mid-August.
These early works includes a covered box cut, tunnel foundations liner installation and backfill, site access road, stockpiles and run-of-mine (ROM) pad establishment, contractors’ facilities, temporary services, site drainage and associated water management infrastructure.
“It is pleasing to see the progress of the parallel early works and feasibility study workstreams at BP33,” Core Lithium chief executive officer Gareth Manderson said.
“We are aiming to make a final investment decision for BP33 in the first quarter of 2024 and are completing these early works so we can be ready to commence decline development promptly.
“We have also now commenced discussions with a number of underground mining contractors who have expressed interest in the BP33 project and we are undertaking a systematic exploration program targeting a number of deposits near the Finniss processing facilities.”
The Australian lithium miner also announced that the Carlton project, which is located two kilometres from the processing plant at Finniss, is a potential mine and is currently the subject of a study update that is due to be complete by the end of 2024.
Drilling recommenced at Carlton in April and results from the approximate 7500 metres diamond drilling (DD) and reverse circulation (RC) program comprising six DD holes and 16 RC holes have been received.
“We are pushing ahead with drilling and updated studies at Carlton as we begin to define the optimal mine sequencing at Finniss,” Manderson said.
