A new project for East Gippsland
Gippsland Critical Minerals is developing the Fingerboards Project to responsibly access a nationally significant deposit of rare earth elements and critical minerals, materials essential to technologies that drive clean energy, advanced manufacturing, defence and medical innovation.
What we do
Located in East Gippsland, this world-class ore body presents an opportunity to deliver long-term regional jobs and economic value, while supporting Australia’s sovereign supply of critical resources.
Our focus is on delivering a redesigned project that works alongside existing local industries and creates meaningful, lasting benefits for the community.
At every stage, we’re committed to doing things differently by responding to local feedback, applying leading environmental practices and demonstrating that mining can be done responsibly, transparently and for shared benefit.
Latest News
RProject rescopingÂ
The redesigned Fingerboards Project will undertake an Environment Effects Statement (EES)
The Victorian Minister for Planning has determined the Fingerboards Project will undertake an Environment Effects statement (EES), recognising it as a materially different proposal to the one considered in 2021.
The Minister’s determination recognises the key changes we’ve made, including the project’s size and scope, tailings management, dust controls and water sourcing, setting the project on Victoria’s most comprehensive and transparent approvals pathway.
For our community, it gives you a formal opportunity to have your say on what matters most to you – whether that’s good local jobs and training, stronger businesses, rail freight, water infrastructure, rehabilitation and restoration, or lasting community benefits.
We have been advised that the EES process is expected to take around 18 months. GCM is now preparing to commence the scoping phase, which includes a public exhibition of the final scopes of studies and an opportunity for you to have your say.
Environmental Assessment
18 months
The Environment Effects Statement (EES) process is expected to take around 18 months, with multiple opportunities for public submission.Â
The Environment Effects Statement (EES) process is expected to take around 18 months, with multiple opportunities for public submission.Â
Buffer zone
1.5 kilometres
A 1.5 kilometre buffer will separate mining from the Lindenow Valley Horticultural Area, significantly reducing the risk of windblown dust reaching farms and crops.Â
A 1.5 kilometre buffer will separate mining from the Lindenow Valley Horticultural Area, significantly reducing the risk of windblown dust reaching farms and crops.Â
Smaller footprint
27% reductionÂ
The mining footprint has been reduced by 27%, with mining exclusion zones established in the Perry, Simpson and Lucas gullies. Â
The mining footprint has been reduced by 27%, with mining exclusion zones established in the Perry, Simpson and Lucas gullies.Â
Latest Updates
The latest news from GCM
Work has begun at the Fingerboards Project Mining and Rehabilitation Demonstration Pit (MRDP), following local contractors successfully completing site mobilisation and pre-start...
Gippsland Critical Minerals held its second community webinar for 2026 on Thursday 9 April 2026. The webinar included a discussion on: •...
Gippsland Critical Minerals (GCM) has released a comprehensive Jobs Guide for the Fingerboards Project, showing East Gippslanders what jobs the project could...
The Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has published Gippsland Critical Minerals’ EPBC referral for the Fingerboards...
Proof, not promises
Demonstration Pit
Works have commenced on a Mining and Rehabilitation Demonstration Pit (MRDP) – a reduced-scale trial that tests our approach to mining, dust management, water, tailings and rehabilitation. The MRDP is an important part of the technical work informing the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) and a condition of GCM’s retention licence, which requires us to undertake large-scale rehabilitation trials. More than 20 East Gippsland businesses have been appointed to support the works, sharing over $1.4 million in contracts across activities ranging from earthworks to fencing and site mobilisation.
Shared Opportunity
We are invested in East Gippsland
Grants & Scholarships
A$160k/yr
Committed to local community projects and scholarships/apprenticeships
Labor force
~300+
Direct & indirect employment from local communities
Localised funding
$300m
Investment in the development of the mine, prioritising local suppliers
State royalties
$180m
Estimated contribution over the life of mine
Community engagement
GCM is genuine about engaging with the local community about the Fingerboards Project by listening to feedback, sharing information and providing opportunities to help shape a better project and maximise the benefits it brings to the region.
Community engagement opportunities are part of a multi-year process to develop a new and better project for East Gippsland. GCM understands the critical importance of listening to feedback, particularly as part of rescoping work so we can incorporate community views into our proposal.
Transparency & Communication
We will be transparent about information and respond to communities’ concerns in a timely, open and effective manner.
Integrity & Trust
We will undertake all engagement activities in a manner that fosters mutual respect and builds trust and confidence by exploring communities’ values and interests and in finding common ground.
Respect & Inclusiveness
We will respect and recognise the rights, cultural beliefs, values and interests of the communities in the land and waters within and surrounding its project area.
Access Resources
Transparency is at the core of our operations
We recognise the need to do things differently and have re-scoped development to reduce and mitigate environmental impacts. Every step of the way we will be releasing our plans and activities to the public for scrutiny and engagement.
Read on
Our annual report provides an overview of our work to date and how we are progressing towards developing a new project.Â
Talk to us
We are committed to open engagement and communication. Whether you have a question, a suggestion, or simply want to learn more, we want to hear from you.