Gippsland Critical Minerals’ redesigned Fingerboards Project has been awarded Major Project Status (MPS) by the Australian Government, recognising its potential contribution to global supply chains, regional jobs, and national strategic interests.
Senator The Hon Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, confirmed the designation for a three-year period, highlighting the project’s significance in supplying rare earth elements and zircon, with onsite separation and rail transport enabling downstream refinement.
“The Albanese Labor Government is making it easier for projects that support Australia’s big national priorities – like upgrading the energy grid and adding value to our critical mineral resources,” Minster Ayers said.
“Awarding Major Project Status to the Fingerboards Mineral Sands Project means Australia will have a better opportunity to process the heavy minerals and rare earths needed for magnets that Australia and its partners need for electric vehicles, wind towers, consumer electronics and defence technologies.
“This project will help build domestic supply chains and create good jobs, contributing to an industrial Future Made in Gippsland.”
The announcement follows the Victorian Minister for Planning’s confirmation that the redesigned project will proceed through an Environment Effects Statement (EES), reflecting a materially different proposal from the one considered in 2021.
“Together, these decisions mark a major step forward for the project,” Gippsland Critical Minerals chief executive officer, Michelle Wood, said.
“The $295 million investment will support around 400 construction jobs and approximately 300 ongoing operational roles, with more than $180 million in mining royalties returning to Victorians,” she said.
The project is also expected to deliver ancillary benefits, including base-load freight rail capacity, opening international transport opportunities for East Gippsland farmers and businesses, and plans for legacy water infrastructure to support long-term regional water security.
The Fingerboards Project’s anticipated annual output includes 200 tonnes of heavy rare earth oxides (around seven per cent of global demand), 1800 tonnes of light rare earth oxides, and 75,000 tonnes of zircon (about seven per cent of global supply).
The project is also listed in the Australian Government’s Critical Minerals Prospectus as one of 49 nationally promoted projects. Major Project Status allows coordinated engagement with the Commonwealth’s Major Projects Facilitation Agency during the approvals process, while the EES provides a comprehensive assessment of environmental impacts, mitigation measures, and opportunities for community input.
The Fingerboards Project aligns with the Australian Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy, strengthening sovereign processing capabilities, supporting the clean energy transition, and reducing reliance on China-dominated supply chains.
