Speewah Drilling Program Targets 35,000m to Expand Fluorite Resource and Ore Reserve
Tivan Limited has initiated a comprehensive 35,000m drilling program at its Speewah Fluorite Project in Western Australia, aiming to expand its mineral resource and advance feasibility studies ahead of a Final Investment Decision in 2026.
- 35,000m multi-purpose drilling program underway at Speewah
- Program supports updated Mineral Resource and maiden Ore Reserve estimates
- Full funding secured including increased investment from Sumitomo Corporation
- Drilling includes infill, extension, exploration, metallurgical, geotechnical, and hydrological components
- Final Investment Decision targeted for August 2026 following feasibility studies
A Major Step Forward for Speewah
Tivan Limited has embarked on its largest drilling campaign to date at the Speewah Fluorite Project, located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The ambitious 35,000-metre program is designed to underpin a comprehensive Feasibility Study and aims to significantly enhance the project's mineral resource base. This milestone marks a critical phase in advancing Speewah towards a potential mining and processing operation producing high-purity acid-grade fluorspar.
Drilling Designed for Multiple Objectives
The program encompasses up to 335 drill holes, combining reverse circulation and diamond core drilling techniques. It targets a variety of objectives including infill drilling to increase confidence in existing resources, extension and exploration drilling to test strike extensions and adjacent veins, as well as metallurgical, geotechnical, and hydrological drilling to support engineering design and environmental assessments. This multi-faceted approach reflects Tivan’s commitment to thorough project evaluation and risk mitigation.
Backing from Sumitomo and Cultural Approvals
Funding for the program is fully secured, bolstered by capital raises earlier this year and increased investment from joint venture partner Sumitomo Corporation. The collaboration with Sumitomo underscores the strategic importance of Speewah and the confidence in its development potential. Additionally, Tivan has secured all necessary cultural heritage clearances through a Heritage Protection Agreement with the Kimberley Land Council, ensuring respectful engagement with Traditional Owners and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Implications for Project Timeline and Value
The drilling campaign is scheduled for completion by September 2025, with assay results to follow progressively. Tivan has adjusted its project timeline accordingly, now targeting the completion of the Feasibility Study by October 2025 and the Definitive Feasibility Study by June 2026. These studies will inform a Final Investment Decision expected in August 2026. Should the drilling confirm an expanded resource, it could extend the mine life and materially enhance the project’s net present value, reinforcing Speewah’s position as Australia’s most advanced fluorite development.
Looking Ahead
With a robust drilling program underway and strong partner support, Tivan is poised to unlock further value from Speewah. The coming months will be critical as the company refines its resource estimates and advances engineering studies, setting the stage for a potential new chapter in Australian fluorite mining.
Bottom Line?
Tivan’s extensive drilling program at Speewah sets the stage for a pivotal resource upgrade and investment decision in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the drilling results confirm a significant expansion of the Speewah Mineral Resource?
- How will updated resource and reserve estimates impact project economics and financing?
- What are the potential environmental and community considerations as the project advances?
