Core Lithium Produces First Spodumene Concentrate at Finniss

Core Lithium Ltd (ASX:CXO) has advised that the first spodumene concentrate has been produced from the recommissioned processing plant at its wholly owned Finniss Lithium Operation. The company said the achievement follows the recommencement of mining activities at the Grants Open Pit in May and the recommissioning of the crushing circuit in August to establish sufficient crushed ore stockpiles for processing. Core said the production of first concentrate was achieved within six months of the Company announcing the Final Investment Decision on the restart of Finniss and is in line with its September Quarter 2026 target.

The processing plant remains in the commissioning and optimisation phase as Core progressively works towards reliable and sustained production, with work focused on optimising plant performance, operational reliability and throughput. The recommissioning followed the completion of targeted upgrades designed to debottleneck the processing circuit and optimise recovery, including screen refurbishments, enhancements in the rolls crusher and tails thickener circuits, improvements to the ferrosilicon distribution system, and consolidation of crushing and DMS plant operations into a single control room. Core said these upgrades are expected to support improved mineral liberation and recoveries while increasing plant throughput capacity by approximately 20% to 1.2 Mt per annum. Development of the BP33 underground mine continues in parallel, and the company continues to target its first shipment of newly produced spodumene concentrate during the December Quarter 2026, with production and shipments expected to continue into 2027. Managing Director Paul Brown said the achievement reflects the disciplined execution of the restart plan and that it has been delivered on schedule and on budget.