Core Lithium Ltd (ASX:CXO) has awarded preferred contractor status for three key components of its 100%-owned Finniss Lithium Project located near Darwin in the Northern Territory.
The three contractors are Primero Group, Lucas Total Contract Solutions, and Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX:QUB).
These three contractors are key participants in the development team Core is assembling on the back of being granted the first mining licence earlier this week.
In line with its construction schedule, Core is targeting first production of spodumene concentrate from Finniss by the end of 2019
READ: Core Lithium achieves a major milestone towards production at Finniss Lithium Project
Core’s managing director Stephen Biggins said: “These key contract roles are crucial for the success of the Finniss Lithium Project, so we did not make our decisions on who should be awarded these packages of work lightly.
“We believe we have selected the best contractors for the respective contracts out a field of worthy contractors, and look forward to working with Primero, Lucas TCS and Qube once the contracts have been finalised and the next phases of work at Finniss get underway.
“Final award of these contracts will follow the completion and release of the definitive feasibility study and financing of the Finniss Project, which should see Core on-track for first production at Finniss by the end of the year.”
Contract terms to be finalised
Primero were engaged as the preferred engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and FEED contractor.
Qube was selected as the preferred provider of haulage and transport solutions for Finniss, whilst Lucas has been selected for the provision of mining services work at Finniss.
Core will work with Primero, Lucas TCS and Qube to finalise contract terms that reflect the most cost-effective and time-efficient solution for Finniss.