Tivan Limited (ASX: TVN) has announced progress in its exploration and approvals program at the Sandover Fluorite Project in the Northern Territory, aiming to define a high-grade fluorite deposit suitable for future mining operations.
The program consists of two parallel workstreams:
- Resource definition, including geological mapping, sampling, and drilling.
- Project facilitation, covering environmental approvals, community engagement, and infrastructure planning.
Drilling is expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025, with a scoping study scheduled for the second quarter of 2026.
Fluorite is classified as a critical mineral, with growing demand in the semiconductor and energy transition sectors, including lithium-ion batteries. Surface sampling results from December 2024 returned ultra high-grade fluorite of up to 94% CaF₂, with:
- eight samples exceeding 80% CaF₂
- ten samples exceeding 70% CaF₂
Tivan is evaluating two development pathways:
- direct shipping ore (DSO) pathway, producing metspar (CaF₂ greater than 85 percent)
- traditional pathway, targeting acid-grade fluorspar (CaF₂ greater than 97 percent)
The company is also conducting historical data reviews, with previously reported high-grade drill intercepts, including:
- PH18: 3.1 metres at 59 percent CaF₂ from 16.8 metres
- PH10: 6.1 metres at 50 percent CaF₂ from 15.2 metres
- PH8: 21.3 metres at 33.6 percent CaF₂ from 15.2 metres
However, these historical results do not comply with the JORC (2012) code and require verification.
Tivan is actively working with the Northern Territory Government to address mining titles, environmental approvals, and infrastructure requirements. The company has appointed EcOz as its environmental consultant and is collaborating with the Central Land Council to obtain a Mineral Exploration Deed and Sacred Site Clearance Certificate.
Executive Chairman Grant Wilson highlighted the project’s low-risk, high-value potential, stating that Tivan’s joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation at Speewah complements its fluorite strategy.
The company plans to continue geological mapping and sampling in 2025, refining drill targets and assessing the economic viability of the deposit. The scoping study will provide insights into the feasibility of a fluorspar mining and processing operation, positioning Tivan as a key player in the fluorite supply chain.
