The Finniss Lithium Operation in the Northern Territory has resumed operations, thanks in part to a diversified funding package supported by a consortium of strategic partners and institutional investors.
The package comprises A$99 million (US$70 million) in convertible notes from Glencore and InfraVia Capital Partners, a A$71 million (US$50 million) senior secured debt facility from Nebari and a A$120 million equity raising.
Owned by Australia’s Core Lithium, the Finniss Lithium Operation is now extracting lithium-bearing ore from its Grants open-pit mine, while it progresses its underground development at BP33. The extracted ore is processed onsite into a high-grade lithium spodumene concentrate.
Mining commenced in May 2026, with the first shipment of concentrate expected by Q4 2026. The operation will reach steady-state production by mid-2028.
The construction and operation of the mine will create up to 300 jobs in the Northern Territory, supporting the regional community.
A long-term investment with growth potential
Core Lithium received funding from the French InfraVia Capital Partners Critical Metals Fund, Swiss trader Glencore, US-based mineral investment manager Nebari, and institutional investors.
This is the first investment under InfraVia Capital Partners’ Critical Metals fund that is seeded by the French state.
‘We are delighted to become a strategic funding partner of Core Lithium to support the upcoming operation of the Finniss lithium project,’ says Vincent Levita, CEO and Founder, InfraVia Capital Partners. ‘Combining strong technical fundamentals with a highly experienced team, we believe this project offers significant operational and strategic potential.
‘Lithium is a critical component of the global energy transition. Investing in reliable sources of supply is essential to the development of resilient battery and electric vehicle supply chains. This investment is fully aligned with the strategy of our Critical Metals fund.’
Core Lithium estimates the project as a whole is expected to ship approximately 200kt of lithium spodumene concentrate per annum during steady-state production. There is also strong growth potential as the project sits in a region with numerous lithium-bearing formations.
Core Lithium’s Finniss project will extract and process lithium-bearing ore.
Austrade assistance
Austrade provided market information to InfraVia’s Critical Metals Fund to inform its investment decision. It also facilitated introductions to Australian stakeholders at federal, state and territory government agencies, project proponents, and specialist direct investment vehicles.
Australia’s critical minerals opportunities
Building a resilient critical minerals industry that can contribute to global supply chains is a priority for the Australian Government under its Future Made in Australia agenda. Foreign capital and capability will be essential in meeting this goal.
Australia offers strong investment opportunities across mining and midstream processing. The latest Australian Critical Minerals Prospectus showcases 94 investment-ready projects, comprising 58 upstream and 36 midstream projects.
Find out why Australia is a leading destination for critical minerals investment.
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