A rare opportunity: Gippsland Critical Minerals redesigned Fingerboards Project 

The Fingerboards Project, delivered by Gippsland Critical Minerals, has been awarded Major Project Status (MPS) by the Australian Government.  

Located near Glenaladale in East Gippsland, the project aims to be a major global supplier of rare earth elements and zircon. It will include onsite separation and rail transport for downstream refinement, strengthening Australia’s processing capability. 

Gippsland’s rich and rare deposits 

The Fingerboards Project is expected to have an annual output of 200 tonnes of heavy rare earth oxides, 1,800 tonnes of light rare earth oxides, and 75,000 tonnes of zircon. This output is about 7% of the global supply of heavy rare earths and zircon and 1.4 % of the global supply of light rare earths. 

The deposits of critical minerals and rare earth elements found in the region are essential to modern and clean energy technologies. The Fingerboards Project will help diversify supply of zircon and rare earths to support Australia’s manufacturing capability and secure our energy transition.  

What does this mean for the region? 

The $295 million project will create approximately 400 construction jobs and 262 direct, ongoing jobs for the region.  

The project is also expected to deliver economic and community benefits. These benefits include base-load freight rail capacity, international transport opportunities for Gippsland farmers and businesses, and plans for legacy water infrastructure to support long-term regional water security. 

Major Project Status recognition 

Being awarded Major Project Status recognises the project's potential contribution to global supply chains, regional jobs, and Australia’s national strategic interests. 

The project has been listed in the Australian Government's Critical Minerals Prospectus as one of 49 nationally promoted projects. MPS will allow Gippsland Critical Minerals to have coordinated engagement with the Commonwealth's Major Projects Facilitation Agency during the approvals process.   
 
The Fingerboards Project also aligns with the Australian Government's Critical Minerals Strategy. The Critical Mineral Strategy sets out clear objectives for strengthening sovereign processing capabilities, supporting the clean energy transition and creating resilient, sustainable supply chains.  

More information 

Learn more about new projects underway in the Latrobe-Gippsland region.