Fingerboards Mineral Sands Project
The proposed Fingerboards Mineral Sands Project is located near Glenaladale, between Stratford and Bairnsdale in East Gippsland.
The project is proposing the development of a mineral sands mining operation in the area.
Gippsland Critical Minerals Pty Ltd (GCM) holds two retention licences, RL2023 and RL2026, encompassing the main Fingerboards project area.
Current status
Both retention licences allow GCM to carry out work to reshape its proposed project. This includes further work to define the resource, identify and understand impacts, and address the recommendations from the 2021 Environmental Effects Statement (EES) decision.
In total, there are 77 conditions on the retention licences. These require GCM to deliver geological and project development milestones, including community engagement requirements, climate modelling, environmental baseline monitoring and rehabilitation trials.
Under RL2026, GCM must refer its rescoped project to the Minister for Planning by 11 December 2025, who will determine if a new EES is warranted.
Failure to meet licence conditions could lead to one or both retention licences being cancelled.
Retention licences do not permit mining.
Renewal of retention licences
In October 2024, Resources Victoria’s Earth Resources Regulator renewed retention licences RL 2023 to May 2027 and RL 2026 until August 2028.
The decision was based on a thorough assessment of GCM’s licence applications which found that the company:
- genuinely intends to complete the work outlined in each application
- has the technical expertise and funding to deliver the proposed program of work
- is deemed fit and proper to hold minerals licences in Victoria.
The rationale behind this decision is outlined in a plain English summary of reasons and detailed in the full statements of reasons. These documents are published below.
Renewal of exploration licence
In October 2024, Resources Victoria also renewed exploration licence EL5395.
The rationale behind the decision to renew the exploration licence is outlined in a plain English summary of reasons and detailed in the full statement of reasons. These documents are published below.
It should be noted that EL5395 has since expired. No application was made for a retention licence before the expiry date.
Areas exempt from minerals licence applications
At the same time as the renewal of the two retention licences in October 2024, a series of exploration licence renewal applications surrounding the Fingerboards site were refused.
These areas were exempted under section 7 of the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990, which exempts areas from further minerals licence applications.
A section 7 exemption was applied to put a hold on any further exploration activity in the area until it can be established that mining can occur without unacceptable risk to the environment.
In February 2025, the area covered by EL 5395 was also exempted under a section 7.
The map below shows the total area around the proposed Fingerboards project area that is now subject to section 7 exemptions.
Regulatory compliance
Resources Victoria’s Earth Resources Regulator is monitoring GCM’s compliance with its licence conditions. The regulator has the power to cancel the company’s licences if it fails to meet set conditions and milestones. Find out more about regulatory compliance.
We are committed to keeping you informed about our compliance activities, including by publishing updates on this page.
Community engagement
GCM is responsible for engaging with the community and Traditional Owners, and for keeping you informed about its activities. More information about the company’s engagement approach is available on the GCM website.
The company is required to submit quarterly community engagement reports to Resources Victoria. These detail engagement activities undertaken and how GCM has addressed complaints, enquiries and feedback received. The company must also demonstrate that it has taken reasonably practicable actions to resolve concerns raised.
In reviewing these reports, Resources Victoria is looking for genuine engagement with the community and Traditional Owners.
Enquiries and concerns
GCM is responsible for responding to enquiries, questions and concerns from the community and Traditional Owners. These can be directed to the company via:
Project background
In 2016, the Minister for Planning determined an Environmental Effects Statement (EES) was required for the proposed Fingerboards Mineral Sands Project under the Environment Effects Act 1978.
An EES is an assessment of the potential impacts on the environment of a proposed project or development.
Following public exhibition of the EES, public hearings and a report from the independent Fingerboards Inquiry and Advisory Committee, in November 2021 the Minister for Planning concluded that the proposed Fingerboards project as it stood should not proceed.
Work is currently underway to rescope the proposed project. The renewal of two retention licences in October 2024 will allow further rescoping work to be completed.
Page last updated: 21 Feb 2025