Fingerboards project receives new lease on life
The Victoria Resources Regulator has renewed two retention licences held by Gippsland Critical Minerals at the Fingerboards mineral sands project.
As part of this renewal, the regulator has placed strict conditions on Gippsland with the company to seek a Victorian Government determination on the future requirements of the Environmental Effects Statement, following the project’s failure to gain approval in 2021.
Other milestones and performance requirements include thorough engagement with the community and Traditional Owners, climate modelling, environmental baseline monitoring and rehabilitation trials.
Failing to deliver these milestones could lead to the cancellation of the licences.
Resources Victoria executive director regulatory operations Chris Webb comments on the update.
“Through this decision we are providing Gippsland Critical Minerals with time to reshape their project but reducing the overall area where exploration can take place,” he said.
“If mining is to proceed in the Glenaladale area, Gippsland Critical Minerals need to address the previous EES assessment and come back with a different proposal that aligns with the values of the local community.
“While Gippsland Critical Minerals assess their options, we are putting a hold on other minerals exploration activity in this area.”
Changes include:
- Establishing a mining exclusion or ‘buffer’ zone of around 1.5km from any mining to the existing Lindenow Valley horticultural area to safeguard local agriculture
- Fencing off and establishing conservation areas in gullies to substantially reduce impact on native vegetation and the environment
- Significantly increasing investment in community and First Nations engagement
- Ensuring positive outcomes for the local community through benefit sharing, including economic and employment opportunities
Gippsland Critical Minerals chief executive Michelle Wood says they knew things needed to be done differently.
“We went back to the drawing board, and we now have a starting point for a better project that will deliver long-term benefits for East Gippsland,” she said.
“There is still a great deal to do to determine the final shape of the project.
“This includes a genuine commitment to listen and engage with the community and to work with local people on community benefit sharing and a wide range of technical and environmental studies.”
These renewals don’t permit mining, which will only begin once the studies are completed and necessary approvals are obtained.