[Core Lithium 2026Q2: Grants Nearing Production, BP33 Advancing, Lithium Concentrate Sales Underway]
According to Core Lithium's Q2 2026 quarterly report, the Finniss project has been fully restarted. The Grants open‑pit mine has commenced mining operations, with designed ore of 784,000 tonnes, expected to produce approximately 134,000 tonnes of SC5 lithium concentrate. Processing is planned for Q3 2026, with first shipment targeted for Q4. The decline development at the BP33 underground mine has also been initiated, with first ore expected by mid‑2027 and steady‑state production by 2028. The logistics chain has resumed operations as well. On the sales front, during the quarter the company shipped 20,000 tonnes of lithium fines and 5,000 tonnes of concentrate from inventory, receiving A$16.2 million in proceeds. It also signed two new fines sales agreements with Glencore for a combined 45,000 tonnes at an average price of approximately US$280/t CIF. At quarter‑end, about 30,000 tonnes of fines inventory remained. In terms of production, Grants will contribute the first concentrate, while BP33 is the future mainstay, as the project transitions from open‑pit to underground mining. Regarding cash flow, as of 30 June the cash balance stood at A$181.8 million, with net operating inflow of A$5.71 million, and post‑financing funds are ample to support ongoing construction works.