Gippsland Critical Minerals (GCM) today confirmed the Victorian Government has renewed its retention and exploration licenses to develop a new Fingerboards Rare Earths and Critical Minerals Project (Fingerboards Project) with a revised scope and stronger community engagement.
The Victorian Government also indicated that several exploration license applications made by GCM would be included in additional mining exclusion zones around the retention license areas.
GCM’s Fingerboards Project will access a world-class deposit of rare earth elements and critical minerals required for wind turbines, solar panels, computers, electric vehicles, hydrogen electrolysers, medical equipment and smartphones, and will create new jobs and investment for East Gippsland.
GCM has made a number of changes to rescope the new Fingerboards Project including:
Establishment of a mining exclusion or ‘buffer’ zone of approximately 1.5 kilometres 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 impacts 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.
There is also a new GCM leadership team with representatives from Appian Capital Advisory joining the board, a new Chair and a new CEO. The change in leadership reflects a commitment to demonstrating best practice in critical minerals development for Victoria.
GCM’s CEO Michelle Wood said: “After working to develop the Fingerboards opportunity over the past decade, we knew we needed to do things differently to create a project that meets community expectations. 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.
“The licences have been renewed for an improved project that protects local agriculture and jobs in the Lindenow Valley, creates new employment opportunities through training and apprenticeships, and better protects the environment for future generations.
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.”
Fingerboards Project - Key GCM Changes
Establishing buffer zones and investing in rehabilitation
A mining exclusion or ‘buffer’ zone of approximately 1.5 kilometres from any mining to the existing Lindenow Valley horticultural area.
Fencing off and establishing conservation areas in gullies to substantially reduce impacts on native vegetation and the environment.
Progressive rehabilitation with native vegetation being grown by GCM at its local nursery.
Greater local community engagement
Increased community information sharing, including opportunities to hear from experts and project managers for community, business and industry groups and organisations.
Regular reporting on activities, including environmental and technical studies.
Putting the community at the centre of the project, including by co-developing initiatives to deliver meaningful community benefit sharing.
Working with First Nations communities throughout the project including a particular focus on benefit sharing and minimising cultural heritage impacts.
Improved outcomes for the local economy and jobs
Creation of more than 200 full-time equivalent jobs for the life of the mine.
New apprenticeship and training programs.
Prioritise buying from local businesses including support to increase their capability and capacity to work with the project.
Local infrastructure investments
Other commitments and updates include:
Mining the site in sections so that no more than 15% of the total project area is being mined at any one time. Progressive rehabilitation of the site is proposed with due consideration for community and landholder preference.
Investigating groundwater resources to understand water availability and secure an additional water supply for the region.
Undertaking additional biodiversity and vegetation studies to re-establish base information and help protect sensitive flora or fauna species.
Quarterly reporting on engagement activities.
Over the next 12 to 18 months, GCM's focus will be on conducting studies to rescope a new project. Studies will be conducted by qualified experts, assessed and peer-reviewed, where necessary. The outcomes of the studies and project plans will be made available with the community given ample time and opportunities to ask questions of the GCM team and any experts.
GCM will not undertake any mining until these studies are completed and necessary approvals are obtained. The community will be fully informed, advised, and consulted on plans.
More information, including an interactive map showing the new buffer and gully conservation areas, is available on our website at www.gippslandcriticalminerals.com and via the Facebook page, including how to contact the GCM team with questions.
To support its commitment to ensuring the Fingerboards Project is a world-class operation in environmental and social sustainability, GCM has also adopted:
The Minerals Council of Australia ‘Towards Sustainable Mining’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework- an initiative designed to improve the mining industry’s ESG performance.
The International Finance Corporation Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability.
The Equator Principles – an international framework for assessing and managing environmental and social risks in projects.
For media information contact:
Paul Edwards/ 0434-070101
About GCM
Gippsland Critical Minerals has been established to develop a high-grade rare earths and critical minerals ore body in East Gippsland.
GCM is jointly owned by Australian-owned REZir Ltd and Appian Capital Advisory, a leading UK-based investor in critical minerals projects around the world.
Appian has a track record of investing in high-quality projects around the world, including rare earths, potash, gold, copper, nickel, cobalt, lead, zinc and mineral sands. Appian’s investments have consistently supported projects from inception to successful production and rehabilitation, underscoring their commitment to responsible development of minerals projects.
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