Welcome to our Project Bulletin for December 2020

In this bulletin you can read about:

• Our year in review

2020 has been a tough year for everyone, particularly here in East Gippsland with the impacts of fires and the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, Kalbar has reached significant milestones throughout the year and we are proud to recap the achievements we have made on the Fingerboards mineral sands project.

On a very sad note, we announce that Kalbar’s former CEO, Dr Victor Hugo, passed away on 9 December following a short battle with cancer. Victor’s great intellect and gentle spirit is sorely missed by us all as his colleagues and friends – his legacy is etched into the Fingerboards project.

Recap of 2020

January

• Kalbar staff supported bushfire recovery efforts in East Gippsland
  • volunteering at relief centres
  • assisted with hay convoys to East Gippsland
  • provided a mobile cool room to assist local community group ADRA store fresh produce for delivery to fire-affected communities

February

• Kalbar Conversations column kicked off in the Bairnsdale Advertiser to share a broad range of information about the Fingerboards project and mineral sands
• Announced the appointment of Jozsef Patarica as incoming CEO of Kalbar Ltd and Dr Victor Hugo transitioning to a consultancy role for Kalbar

March

• Kalbar Ltd signed a Joint Venture partnership to secure A$144 million in financing for the Fingerboards project

April

• Jozsef Patarica commenced as CEO of Kalbar Ltd

May

• Joint Venture company Kalbar Operations Pty Ltd becomes operational – the formation of this new company marks the start of a new phase of the Fingerboards mineral sands project
• Environment Effects Statement (EES) consultation plan updated to reflect COVID-19 requirements

June

• John Francisco commenced as Project Director for Kalbar Operations
• Kalbar hosts the EES Key Findings webinar and transitions to digital engagement to meet COVID-19 safety requirements – 85 people participated
• Appian Capital Advisory LLP announced as private equity funder investing A$144 million into the Fingerboards project
• Kalbar Ltd closes its Perth office and Bairnsdale becomes Kalbar Operations Pty Ltd headquarters

July

• Cameron Knox commenced as Chief Financial Officer for Kalbar Operations

August

• Minister for Planning authorised the Fingerboards mineral sands project Environment Effects Statement to proceed to exhibition and public comment
• Minister for Planning issued amended procedures and requirements for the EES – allowing alternative arrangements to access the EES in light of COVID-19 restrictions and that video conferencing may be utilised for formal hearings
• Drilling program commences to obtain greater detail of the mineral resource

September

• Fingerboards project EES commenced public exhibition for a period of 40 business days

October

• Kalbar hosts the EES Specialist Studies Webinar - 45 people participated
• Fingerboards project EES public exhibition closes – 909 submissions received
• Kalbar partners with Clontarf Foundation to host the first indigenous traineeship – trainee commenced employment to gain a Certificate III in Horticulture

December

• Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) Directions Hearing held 14 December

The team at Kalbar wishes you a happy and safe festive season and we look forward to updating you all on the Fingerboards project in 2021.

Further information on the Fingerboards Project

For further information about the Fingerboards Project, the EES process and Technical Studies:

• Go to our web site: https://www.fingerboardsproject.com.au
• Join our e-mail list for updates on the project
• Call into our office at 48 Bailey Street, Bairnsdale
• Call or e-mail us for further information, or to make an appointment to speak with one of our team

Phone: 5152 3130
Freecall: 1800 791 396
Email: contactus@fingerboardsproject.com.au