3 May 2022
The Territory Labor Government has today granted the second Environmental Approval in the Northern Territory through its improved environmental regulatory regime under the Environment Protection Act 2019 (EP Act).
The Minister for Environment has granted Environmental Approval for the Finniss Lithium Project BP33 Underground mine, with Core Lithium Ltd to develop and operate an underground lithium mine on the Cox Peninsula, about 33km west of Berry Springs.
This environmental approval follows the assessment of potentially significant environmental impacts by the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) in consultation with key government authorities.
The approved mine forms one part of the wider Finniss Lithium Project which has been recognised by the Australian and NT governments as being significant to the economy and holds major project status.
The mine has a capital investment value of $33.79 million and will create about 60 jobs during construction, and 120 to 150 jobs during operations.
Global demand for lithium is expected to increase significantly over the next two years, driven by the use of lithium in rechargeable batteries, for electronic devices, electric vehicles and storage of renewable wind and solar energy.
Territorians are invited to comment on development proposals requiring environmental impact assessment as a provision of the environmental regulatory regime. Comments can be made on open consultations via the NT EPA's consultation hub here.
All referral information, public and government submissions and NT EPA notices relating to an environmental assessment process are published on the NT EPA's public register.
Quotes from Minister for Environment Eva Lawler:
"The Territory Labor Government's reformed environment protection legislation commenced in 2020, providing Territorians with an improved environmental regulatory regime.
"This Environmental Approval follows a thorough assessment of potentially significant environmental impacts by the NT EPA - it is the second to be granted under the EP Act, and the first for a mine.
"We will continue to work with Core Lithium on this project to ensure the best outcomes."
