Galaxy gets govt approval for Mt Cattlin

Galaxy Resources is set to start construction at its $68 million Mt Cattlin spodumene project near Ravensthorpe next week after it today secured mining approval from the state government.

Managing director Iggy Tan said the approval from the Department of Mines and Petroleum marked the final stage of pre-development for the project.

"With Mining Approval and full funding in place we look forward to having the Mt Cattlin mine up and running by Q3 2010," Mr Tan said.

"This will allow us to capture the near term opportunity of the growing lithium market and deliver returns to shareholders.

"The project will employ a residential workforce of approximately 70 to 100 people."

Shares in Galaxy climbed four cents to $1.525 at 12:35 AEDT.