Victorian officials re-examine rejected mineral sands mine amid global rare-earth push

The Victorian government has revived consideration of the Fingerboards mineral sands project in the Lindenow Valley, a site it dismissed in 2021 due to significant environmental and horticultural threats. Officials describe the latest submission from Gippsland Critical Minerals as a “new and modified” application, but planning veteran Michael Buxton labeled it a blatant deception, noting the plan remains largely the same.

Local organic farmer Kane Busch and other residents see the effort as a cosmetic overhaul. GCM argues the redesign cuts the mine’s footprint by 27 % and lowers extraction rates, adding buffers around farms and waterways. The renewed push aligns with Australia’s broader critical-minerals strategy, highlighted by recent federal Major Project Status designation. The state declined comment, while GCM’s CEO Michelle Wood insisted the changes respond to community concerns and are not being fast-tracked.