Chalice Mining confirms its Gonneville Project Pre-Feasibility Study remains on track for Q4 2025, with environmental approvals progressing smoothly toward a late 2027 Final Investment Decision. The project’s staged open-pit design and innovative infrastructure plans underscore its strategic importance in critical minerals supply.
- Pre-Feasibility Study on track for Q4 2025 completion
- Draft Environmental Review Documents scheduled for mid-2026 submission
- Staged open-pit mine design with initial lower throughput expanding after four years
- Process water to be sourced from treated wastewater via pipeline at no cost
- Fully funded through to Final Investment Decision targeted for late 2027
Project Development Progress
Chalice Mining Limited has provided a comprehensive update on the development of its 100%-owned Gonneville PGE-Ni-Cu-Co Project, located approximately 70 kilometres northeast of Perth in Western Australia. The company confirmed that the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), initiated in mid-2023, remains on schedule for completion in the fourth quarter of 2025. This milestone is critical as it will define the technical and economic viability of the project and guide the transition into a full Feasibility Study.
The project’s development plan has been refined into a staged approach featuring a long-life bulk open-pit mine. The initial phase will operate at a smaller processing throughput for the first four years, followed by an expansion from year five onwards. This strategy aims to maximise early returns and shorten capital payback, while the subsequent expansion is optimised for long-term strategic value and profitability through fluctuating metals prices.
Environmental and Regulatory Milestones
Environmental approvals are progressing as planned, with draft Environmental Review Documents (ERDs) scheduled for submission in mid-2026. The scope and conceptual site layout for the ERDs have been finalised, enabling detailed environmental modelling and impact assessments. These are being conducted by GHD, a leading consultancy with strong regional experience.
Chalice has also initiated environmental surveys along the proposed infrastructure corridors for power and water supply, set to commence in the second half of 2025. The company’s biodiversity strategy emphasises a science-based approach aiming for no net loss of species or habitat diversity, supported by ecological restoration efforts and partnerships with academic and conservation groups.
Innovative Infrastructure Solutions
In a notable sustainability initiative, Chalice has secured a Letter of Intent to source process water exclusively from treated wastewater at the Water Corporation’s Alkimos Facility. This water, which would otherwise be discharged into the ocean, will be delivered via a newly conceptualised 55-kilometre pipeline at no cost to the project. This approach not only addresses critical water needs but also aligns with environmental stewardship goals.
Power supply plans include investigating hybrid solar and battery solutions alongside a new 132kV transmission line connecting to the existing South-West Interconnected System grid. Chalice is actively engaging with Western Power and exploring long-term Power Purchase Agreements to secure competitive and flexible energy sources.
Strategic Importance and Funding
The Gonneville Project holds a significant resource of critical and strategic minerals such as palladium, platinum, nickel, copper, and cobalt; elements essential for decarbonisation, urbanisation, and defence technologies. Recognised by both Western Australian and Commonwealth Governments as a Strategic and Major Project, Gonneville is positioned as a key contributor to Australia’s critical minerals industry.
Financially, Chalice is well-positioned with A$83 million in cash and listed investments as of March 2025, fully funding the project through to the Final Investment Decision targeted for late 2027. The company continues to engage with potential strategic offtake and financing partners, underscoring its commitment to advancing the project responsibly and efficiently.
Bottom Line?
As Chalice advances toward critical regulatory and financial milestones, the Gonneville Project stands poised to become a cornerstone of Australia’s critical minerals future.
Questions in the middle?
- What are the potential timelines and terms for securing long-term Power Purchase Agreements?
- How will community engagement outcomes influence final environmental approvals and project design?
- Which strategic partners might Chalice secure for offtake and financing ahead of the Final Investment Decision?