Core Lithium Ltd has been granted environmental approval for the BP33 Underground Mine in the Northern Territory by the NT’s Minister for Environment.
The grant of the environmental approval completes the Environmental Impact Assessment process for the proposed BP33 Underground Mine and paves the way for the company to submit a Mining Management Plan (MMP) to the Department of Industry, Tourism & Trade (DITT) for assessment.
Core anticipates that a successful review of the MMP by DITT could result in a Mining Authorisation for BP33 Underground by mid-2022. Approval of the MMP is the last step in the BP33 Underground Mine approvals process.
Core’s Managing Director, Stephen Biggins, commented: “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.
“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.”
Northern Territory Labor Government Minister for Environment, Eva Lawler, commented: “The Territory Labor Government’s reformed environment protection legislation commenced in 2020, providing Territorians with an improved environmental regulatory regime.
“This Environmental Approval follows a thorough assessment of potentially significant environmental impacts by the NT EPA – it is the second to be granted under the EP Act, and the first for a mine.
“We will continue to work with Core Lithium on this project to ensure the best outcomes.”
Finniss mine activities are on schedule with first ore on ship expected at the end of calendar year 2022.
