Gippsland Critical Minerals (GCM) has kicked off a new round of environmental fieldwork focused on better understanding local ecology and supporting the redesign of the Fingerboards Critical Minerals Project.
The fieldwork, which includes targeted flora and fauna surveys, is part of a broader program of technical studies being undertaken ahead of a new project proposal to be submitted to the Victorian Government in late 2025.
GCM chief executive officer Michelle
Wood said the work is an important milestone in the company’s commitment to delivering a project that reflects the values of the East Gippsland community.
“We’re listening and, importantly, we’re acting on community concerns,” Ms
Wood said.
Independent specialists from GHD will carry out the first of several seasonal ecology surveys across the project area. The winter survey will identify winter-flowering native orchids and signs of the Gang-gang Cockatoo.
Access to private property is only occurring with prior permission, and all fieldwork is being carried out by the independent environmental consultants under strict safety and biosecurity protocols.
Ms Wood said the company would continue to work respectfully with landowners and the community throughout the process.
“We’re seeking input from the community at every stage and working transparently to share information. Fieldwork like this helps ensure we’re designing a project that meets both environmental and community expectations.”
The environmental surveys will help inform a redesigned mining area, water management approach and progressive rehabilitation plans. These studies will also respond directly to recommendations made by the Victorian Minister for Planning in 2021, according
to Ms Wood.
Fieldwork started on Monday and continue throughout July and August, with further seasonal studies to follow in spring, summer and autumn of 2025/26.
