Gippsland Critical Minerals

13/10/2026

📄 The scoping requirements for the Fingerboards Critical Minerals Project Environment Effects Statement (EES) have now been signed off by the Minister for Planning and are available on the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) website.

Community feedback gathered during the government-led public consultation process has helped refine and strengthen the final scope with key changes including:

▪️Agriculture and horticulture assessment area moved from Stream 2 to Stream 1
▪️References to social matters have been clarified to define potential social and economic effects, including workforce capacity, housing availability, public services, businesses and local economic opportunities
▪️Historic heritage was added as a Stream 3 matter

GCM welcomes these changes and thanks everyone who contributed feedback. This is the assessment process at work and will provide clearer answers on the issues that matter most to the community.

Work continues on each of the studies with our next Ask the expert session scheduled on Thursday 10 December.

You can view the final scoping requirements and FAQs on the DTP website at: https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/environmental-assessments/browse-projects/referrals/fingerboards-critical-minerals-project

08/10/2026

🏡 Good jobs close to home. More work for local businesses. Minerals the world needs.

If that's the future you're backing for East Gippsland, grab a sign and show it.

The Fingerboards Critical Minerals Project is already delivering work for local businesses just like Bairnsdale Irrigation who are involved in our demonstration pit and rehabilitation trials.

If approved, the project is expected to create 400 jobs during construction, 300 ongoing jobs and contribute $90 million a year to Victoria's economy through operations, supply chains and wages.

Here's how to show your support:

1️⃣ Pick up a sign from our office at 50 Forge Creek Road Bairnsdale or DM us and we’ll organise drop-off
2️⃣ Put it in your shop window, out the front of your workshop or on your fence
3️⃣ If you'd like, send us a photo and we'll reshare it

07/10/2026

💬 Here’s where to find us this month.

Whether you have a question about the project, want to talk about the studies underway and next steps, or you’re interested in future jobs, we want to hear from you.

Come along and chat with the team at one of the events below 👇

Register for the 14 October webinar here: https://www.gippslandcriticalminerals.com/community-webinars/

02/10/2026

Good jobs keep kids in the region, close to family and close to friends.

Leigh from Whelans Group talks about the opportunities the Fingerboards Critical Minerals Project can create for young East Gippslanders.

17/09/2026

GCM is aware of concerns raised about dust visible at the Demonstration Pit on Tuesday 15 September, including footage shared by Mine-Free-Glenaladale.

The visible dust was freshly laid topsoil lifting off the ground for a brief period following strong wind gusts in the afternoon. GCM were not undertaking any active works at the time.

In anticipation of high-wind conditions, a filled water cart was placed on standby for the day.

In line with our Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP), the water cart was used to suppress dust immediately once visible dust was observed, with repeat suppression activities as required throughout the afternoon.

Dust levels returned to baseline shortly after suppression.

While GCM acted quickly and in line with the TARP and environmental requirements, we understand that seeing dust at the site can be concerning and we thank community for their vigilance in raising it with us.

We are always looking for ways to make our dust management protocols even stronger. If you’d like to speak to us in more detail, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] or call us on 1800 791 396.

09/09/2026

📰 Our eighth edition of the Fingerboards newsletter is now live!

Inside you’ll find:

🔹 Timelapse photos from our Mining and Rehabilitation Demonstration Pit
🔹Tailings explained: what they are, how they’re managed and how water is recycled in a closed loop
🔹 Demo pit by the numbers, including more than 200 visitors, $1.4 million in local contracts, and 20 local businesses and suppliers
🔹 A long-term home for the Gippsland Sheep Breeders Association wether trial, plus the results of its final shearing
🔹 Upcoming drop-in sessions and pop-up stalls, and the specialists who took part in the first Ask the Expert sessions

Pick up a copy in this week’s Gippsland Times or read the digital version on our website.

Know someone who wants to stay up to date with the Fingerboards Project? They can join our mailing list through our website and receive future editions straight to their inbox.

Edition 8 of the Fingerboards Project newsletter is out now, with a look at how far the Mining and Rehabilitation Demonstration Pit has come since work began

07/09/2026

We’re heading to Fernbank Hall this Wednesday, 9 September. Drop in anytime between 5:00pm and 7:00pm to ask the GCM team your questions, pick up a fact sheet and hear the latest about the Fingerboards Project. We look forward to seeing you there!

01/09/2026

📝 Submissions for Fingerboards Project EES draft Scoping Requirements to close at midnight tonight.

Prepared by the Department of Transport and Planning, the draft Scoping Requirements set out the environmental, social and economic matters that will be investigated and assessed through the Environment Effects Statement (EES).

With submissions closing tonight at midnight, today is your last chance to review the draft requirements and have your say.

You don’t need to be an expert to contribute. Local knowledge, questions and perspectives can all help inform the scope of the assessment.

Make your submission via engage Victoria at:

Public comment is invited on the draft Scoping Requirements for the Fingerboards Critical Minerals Project Environment Effects Statement (EES).

24/08/2026

There's a few major projects taking shape across East Gippsland. For businesses like Rileys, that means more work in the region, and more nights at home with family.

24/08/2026

We’re heading to Lindenow South this week.

Drop in and have a chat with the GCM team, ask questions and hear the latest on the Fingerboards Project.