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Northern Territory-based Core Lithium is celebrating the loading of its first big shipment to China and approval for an expansion of mining operations.
The company's Finniss mine was the first new mine to begin operations in the NT in more than a decade, and has attracted investor attention to the region as countries vie for critical minerals needed to decarbonise economies.
Minister for Mining and Industry Nicole Manison said lithium mining was going from "strength to strength" in the territory.
Located 33km west of Berry Springs and 5km from the Grants open pit, the latest project will employ 60 people during construction and around 150 people when operational.
Core Lithium's "BP33" underground project, the second proposed mine at the Finniss works, on Thursday received the final approval needed before the company's board makes a final investment decision.
"We have exciting opportunities for the territory to become a leading supplier of the critical minerals needed for the renewable energy transition in Australia and the world," Ms Manison said.
"Core Lithium has demonstrated their ability to extract and export critical minerals within a short time frame, and the latest proposed mine will be no exception."
The first shipment of 5500 tonnes of spodumene concentrate, produced from the Grants open pit, is being loaded onto the St Andrew ship at Darwin Port, bound for China and long-term customer Sichuan Yahua.
The company's focus has turned to commissioning the plant at Finniss and ramping up the whole operation.
CEO Gareth Manderson acknowledged the support of the NT government in a rapidly expanding market where approval times make a crucial difference to investors and customers.
"We have been able to commence operations at Finniss in a favourable market when it can deliver benefits for the NT and all its stakeholders due to the professional and efficient processes for approvals," he said.
Member for Daly Dheran Young said the approval was "great news" for locals and would give certainty to small businesses in the Cox Peninsular region who are benefiting from the economic activity.
