A significant number of work streams are underway to rescope the Fingerboards Project. Our work continues to be informed by the many local people who have been generous with their time and willingness to share their views on the project with me, our technical and community engagement teams.
We have welcomed a number of senior people appointed to my team, bringing additional experience in critical minerals mining design and operations, project governance, and community engagement to build momentum. Over the next month, we are:
Continuing our “back to the drawing board” approach on project design elements to reduce the project footprint and its size – including by reducing the size of the active mining area at any one time.
Developing a mining schedule over the 20 - 22 year life of the mine to develop co-use plans with local farmers.
Speaking with landowners surrounding the site, as well as community members and stakeholder groups, to get their views and incorporate them into our plans.
Finalising appointments to our Community Reference Group and holding our first meeting.
Undertaking environmental studies and monitoring to establish baselines for further studies.
Progressing technical work to investigate innovations in mining methodology that will minimise water use, dust and noise impacts.
Commencing geological surveys and assay sampling to increase the level of definition of the Fingerboards resource.
Developing plans for a demonstration pit and undertaking rehabilitation trials.
This will ensure we are in a position to share detailed concepts for the rescoped project with the community around mid-June.
We have received a wide range of applications from local people to join the Community Reference Group, including people who have historically been vocal opponents of the previous project, and we are pleased to have all 12 people who made an eligible application join as a member.
I know many people are waiting for more information and briefings, and we will schedule a series of webinars for mid-March to share the information people are asking for. By mid-June we will have detailed work to share with the community and will commence a series of community meetings during June and July to share details, answer specific questions and seek feedback on the proposed changes.
With this approach and a commitment to redesign and respond to feedback, I am confident we can deliver on our goal to create a better project that can coexist with local agriculture and bring significant benefits to the East Gippsland community.
I look forward to working with everyone to deliver a better project for East Gippsland and for Victoria.
Michelle Wood
CEO
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