In a recent update provided to Gippsland Critical Minerals’ (GCM) Community Reference Group, GCM’s proposed demonstration mining pit and rehabilitation trials are scheduled to start in January 2026.
The demonstration pit will enable GCM to test its proposed approach to noise and dust management, surface water and runoff, cultural heritage, geotechnical, soil reinstatement and rehabilitation, supported by detailed trials and data collection.
The outcomes from the demonstration pit will be shared with the community.
Together with its Lead Environmental Consultant, AECOM, GCM has also commenced work on a range of environmental and technical studies and is on track to resubmit its project referral to the Regulator by the end of 2025.
Baseline monitoring has now commenced across the new site and nearby areas to provide a better understanding of background conditions in the proposed project area and its surroundings.
Baseline monitoring covers a range of matters, including weather, air quality and dust, including rainwater tank monitoring; surface water flow and quality; groundwater levels and quality; noise and radiation.
The baseline monitoring and the demonstration mining pit and rehabilitation trials will inform environmental and technical studies which will also cover the areas of ecology, flora and fauna, cultural heritage, visual and landscape, land use and planning, traffic and transport, economic development, social impact, human health, agriculture and horticulture, geotechnical, soils and rehabilitation.
