Loading begins for Territory’s first lithium exports 

30 December 2022

Core Lithium has achieved another major milestone with the first shipment from the Finniss Lithium mine being prepared at Darwin Port this week.

15,000 dry metric tonnes of direct shipping ore (DSO) from Core Lithium’s Finniss Lithium Project are being loaded onto the Rossana ship, an extraordinary effort given construction at the site only began in October 2021.

Once loaded, the ship is bound for Fangcheng China, where the DSO on board will go on to create lithium batteries used to power electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

Core has binding offtake agreements with Ganfeng Lithium and Sichuan Yahua to supply 75,000 tonnes per annum of lithium concentrate to each company over four years.

The $89 million dollar Finniss Lithium Project is expected to mine 16 million tonnes of lithium-bearing ore over the life of the mine, which is predicted to be at least 12 years and will employ about 300 people, including contractors.

Mining operations began in October 2022, the first new mine to commence operations in the Northern Territory in more than a decade, with spodumene concentrate production on track for the first half of 2023.

Quotes from Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:

“This a major milestone not only for Core Lithium, but for the renewable and critical minerals industry.

Lithium is the way of the future for both cleaner energy and the Territory economy, with local 300 jobs created for at least the next 12 years.

Today’s achievement is proof the Northern Territory is the place to be when it comes to opportunities for a greener future and a stronger economy.”

Quotes from Minister for Mining and Industry Nicole Manison:

“Today’s milestone is a testament to the Northern Territory’s world class logistics chains and infrastructure networks, with a port that is the gateway to Asia.

This is a globally significant project for lithium battery production, which will power the future through electric vehicles and renewable energy storage,

And the best part is it’s happening right here in the Northern Territory, meaning local workers, local suppliers and contractors will all benefit financially.”

Quotes attributed to Core Lithium Chief Executive Officer Gareth Manderson:

“The first DSO shipment being loaded for export from the Darwin Port is another significant milestone for the company.”

“Core has made good progress during 2022 to transition from a mine developer to lithium producer. In 2023 we will continue this transition and the work required to build a good quality operating business in the Northern Territory.”

Northern Territory Government