Core Lithium (ASX:CXO) has launched mining operations at part of its Finniss Lithium Mine, 88km southwest of Darwin, Northern Territory.
Blasting and excavation are underway at the Grants open pit, which is expected to bring a staged return to production and cash flow generation.
The mine is expected to re-enter the spodumene market during the December quarter of 2026.
The surface mining services contract has already been awarded to NRW Holdings (ASX:NWH).
The Grants open pit will provide ore feed for the Finniss Processing Plant, while underground development at the BP33 deposit continues on schedule.
The optimised pit design provides access to approximately 784 kilotonnes of ore and is expected to deliver about 134kt of spodumene concentrate, with a guaranteed lithium oxide grade of between 5% and 5.5%.
Ore is expected to be processed during the September quarter of 2026, with the first spodumene concentrate shipment targeted in the December quarter. Further shipments are expected in calendar year 2027.
“The commencement of mining at Grants marks the start of Finniss returning to production, with first ore expected to be processed in the September quarter and first shipment targeted for the December quarter,” CEO Paul Brown says.
“In less than three months since [the] final investment decision, we have secured funding, awarded key mining contracts, and transitioned to active mining, demonstrating disciplined execution.”
Core Lithium is a hard-rock lithium company with assets primarily in the Northern Territory.
Write to Richard Szabo at Mining.com.au
Images: Core Lithium
