A new project for East Gippsland
Gippsland Critical Minerals is developing the Fingerboards Project to responsibly access a nationally significant deposit of rare earth elements and critical minerals, materials essential to technologies that drive clean energy, advanced manufacturing, defence and medical innovation.
What we do
Located in East Gippsland, this world-class ore body presents an opportunity to deliver long-term regional jobs and economic value, while supporting Australia’s sovereign supply of critical resources.
Our focus is on delivering a redesigned project that works alongside existing local industries and creates meaningful, lasting benefits for the community.
At every stage, we’re committed to doing things differently by responding to local feedback, applying leading environmental practices and demonstrating that mining can be done responsibly, transparently and for shared benefit.
Latest News
Renewed Vision
We’re redesigning the Fingerboards Project from the ground up.
Gippsland Critical Minerals is redesigning the Fingerboards Project to reflect community feedback and deliver a modern critical minerals operation, reflecting both the needs of the region and the expectations of the community.
We’ve listened carefully to feedback on the 2021 proposal, particularly around dust, noise, water management, and impacts on mature vegetation, and are taking deliberate steps to reduce these risks through smarter design, tighter controls, and clearer commitments.
This isn’t a minor update. It’s a fundamentally different approach, designed to integrate with East Gippsland’s landscape, economy and community priorities.
We’re continuing an iterative design process with multiple opportunities for community feedback and input. Major design changes have already been made in response to community feedback, and we will continue refining the project as engagement continues.
Progressive mining
12 months
Backfilling commencing within 12 months with land rehabilitation commencing immediately.
Backfilling commencing within 12 months, with land rehabilitation commencing immediately to support faster recovery and earlier return to productive use.
Buffer zone
1.5 kilometres
A 1.5 kilometre buffer will separate mining from the Lindenow Valley Horticultural Area.
A 1.5 kilometre buffer will separate mining from the Lindenow Valley Horticultural Area, ensuring the project coexists with one of the region’s key industries.
Critical minerals
8 million tonnes over 22 years
8 million tonnes of heavy mineral concentrate (HMC) expected over the life of the project.
Of heavy mineral concentrate (HMC) expected over the life of the project.
Latest Updates
The latest news from GCM
Gippsland Critical Minerals (GCM) has launched a new website and virtual office to make it easier for East Gippslanders to access clear,...
This video provides a recording of GCM’s Community Information and Listening Webinar held on 15 October 2025.
...Gippsland Critical Minerals (GCM) has appointed local East Gippslander Mick Harrington as East Gippsland Community and Stakeholder Lead, reinforcing the company’s long-term...
Gippsland Critical Minerals (GCM) places community engagement at the heart of how we operate. We value open dialogue and welcome the many...
Enduring growth, partnership with community
More local jobs. Stronger regional economy.
Gippsland Critical Minerals will deliver long-term economic value for East Gippsland through the Fingerboards Project, creating local jobs, supporting regional businesses, and investing in infrastructure that benefits the broader community. We are genuine about engaging and listening to feedback, sharing information and providing opportunities to help shape a better project and maximise the benefits it brings to the region.
Shared Opportunity
We are invested in East Gippsland
Grants & Scholarships
A$160k/yr
Committed to local community projects and scholarships/apprenticeships
Labor force
~300+
Direct & indirect employment from local communities
Localised funding
$300m
Investment in the development of the mine, prioritising local suppliers
State royalties
$180m
Estimated contribution over the life of mine
Community engagement
GCM is genuine about engaging with the local community about the Fingerboards Project by listening to feedback, sharing information and providing opportunities to help shape a better project and maximise the benefits it brings to the region.
Community engagement opportunities are part of a multi-year process to develop a new and better project for East Gippsland. GCM understands the critical importance of listening to feedback, particularly as part of rescoping work so we can incorporate community views into our proposal.
Transparency & Communication
We will be transparent about information and respond to communities’ concerns in a timely, open and effective manner.
Integrity & Trust
We will undertake all engagement activities in a manner that fosters mutual respect and builds trust and confidence by exploring communities’ values and interests and in finding common ground.
Respect & Inclusiveness
We will respect and recognise the rights, cultural beliefs, values and interests of the communities in the land and waters within and surrounding its project area.
Gippsland’s Resources
Everyday Uses. Strategic Value.
Access Resources
Transparency is at the core of our operations
We recognise the need to do things differently and have re-scoped development to reduce and mitigate environmental impacts. Every step of the way we will be releasing our plans and activities to the public for scrutiny and engagement.