These three contractors are key participants in the development team that Core is assembling on the back of being granted the first mining licence. In line with its construction schedule, Core is targeting first production of spodumene concentrate from Finniss by the end of 2019.

Following a competitive tender process and engagement with a number of leading contractors, the company has engaged Primero Group as the preferred engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) and front-end engineering design (FEED) contractor. The FEED study by Primero is underway to improve the accuracy of the EPC estimate on the 1Mt/y processing plant and associated infrastructure at Finniss.

Primero's capabilities are strengthened by recent success in a range of design, build, commissioning and operation roles with a number of Australian hard-rock lithium projects including Pilbara's (PLS) Pilgangoora and Tawana/Alliance (A40) Bald Hill projects.

Core has also selected Qube Bulk as its preferred provider of haulage and transport solutions for Finniss, whilst Lucas Total Contract Solutions has been selected as the company's preferred contractor 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.

Stephen Biggins, managing director at Core, commented: "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."