Core Lithium (ASX:CXO) signalled a major turning point for its Northern Territory operations, announcing the award of a surface mining services contract to NRW.
The critical agreement, valued at approximately $50 million, paves the way for the immediate restart of mining activities at the Grants deposit, part of the company's flagship Finniss lithium operation.
Under a standard schedule of rates, NRW will manage all primary activities required to deliver ore to the grants' run-of-mine pad.
The mobilisation of equipment and personnel is set to commence immediately, with the company targeting a rapid return to production by May.
By leveraging existing open-pit infrastructure, Core Lithium aims to access roughly 784kt of ore to produce an estimated 134kt of SC5 (spodumene concentrate).
The strategy provides a low-risk, capital-efficient pathway to early cash generation while the company continues parallel development of the BP33 underground project.
This move follows a recent final investment decision and represents a strategic shift towards an accelerated production timeline.
By incorporating the Grants open-pit mining back into the broader Finniss mine plan, Core Lithium secures a near-term feed source for its processing plant at a lower initial capital cost.
While the focus remains on the immediate ramp-up at Grants, civil infrastructure site works and box-cut excavations at BP33 are already underway.
At the time of reporting, Core Lithium’s share price was $0.28.