Gippsland Critical Minerals (GCM) last week welcomed the inclusion of the Fingerboards Critical Minerals and Rare Earths Project in the State Government’s Victorian Critical Minerals Roadmap.
The roadmap released highlights the significance of the Fingerboards Project as a source of titanium, zircon and other rare earth elements. These minerals will help secure Australia’s supply chain of net-zero technologies, such as the advanced magnets used in wind turbines and electric vehicles.
“The Victorian Government’s roadmap and the supporting announcements to cap EES processes to 18 months help to provide a foundation for a coordinated and integrated approach to support the development of the Victorian critical minerals industry,” GCM chief executive officer Michelle Wood said.
“This will help ensure the industry has the confidence to develop new projects in a timely way while continuing the important work of understanding and respecting the interests of regional communities and First Nations peoples and the need for communities to see real benefits from projects.
“GCM believes streamlined processes are helpful but should not be viewed as a shortcut. We know strong community engagement will help us develop the best possible project for the people of Gippsland.
“Our plan remains the same, and we have a lot to do in 2025. This includes completing technical and environmental studies, continuing conversations to
understand the issues of importance and working on the proposed design and a detailed scope of the mine with a view to discussing options with the community during 2025.”
