Tivan and Sumitomo Ink MoU to Develop High-Grade Sandover Fluorite Project
Tivan Limited and Sumitomo Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop the high-grade Sandover Fluorite Project in Australia's Northern Territory, marking a significant step in Australia's critical minerals sector.
- MoU signed between Tivan and Sumitomo for Sandover Fluorite Project development
- Sumitomo granted first right of refusal on the project
- Tivan advancing exploration with drilling planned for Q4 2025
- Collaboration follows joint venture on Speewah Fluorite Project in Western Australia
- Project targets metspar and acidgrade fluorspar production pathways
Strategic Partnership Strengthens Fluorite Development
Tivan Limited (ASX, TVN) and Sumitomo Corporation have formalised their growing collaboration with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on the Sandover Fluorite Project in the Northern Territory. This agreement follows their earlier joint venture on the Speewah Fluorite Project in Western Australia, underscoring a deepening strategic relationship between the Australian miner and the Japanese trading giant.
Sumitomo Corporation, a Fortune Global 500 company with extensive interests in mineral resources and industrial chemicals, brings significant global expertise and financial capacity to the partnership. The MoU outlines a framework for good faith negotiations toward commercial agreements for the development, financing, operation, and marketing of the Sandover project, contingent on the delivery of a Pre-Feasibility Study.
Advancing a High-Grade Fluorite Opportunity
Tivan acquired the Sandover Fluorite Project in late 2024 and has since made steady progress in defining the resource. Surface sampling programs have returned ultra high-grade calcium fluorite assays, confirming the project's potential. The company plans to commence drilling in the fourth quarter of 2025, aiming to delineate a deposit capable of supporting mining and processing operations.
The project targets two production pathways, an expedited direct shipping ore (DSO) route producing metspar with calcium fluoride content above 80%, and a traditional acidgrade fluorspar pathway with purity exceeding 97%. Both products are critical inputs for industries ranging from lithium-ion battery manufacturing to semiconductor production, sectors identified as strategically important by the Australian government.
Broader Implications for Australia-Japan Mineral Ties
This MoU not only advances Tivan’s project pipeline but also reinforces bilateral ties between Australia and Japan in critical minerals. The collaboration complements the existing joint venture on the Speewah Fluorite Project, creating potential operational synergies and a stronger foothold in the emerging fluorite sector.
Environmental and cultural heritage approvals are progressing in parallel, with Tivan engaging closely with the Northern Territory Government and the Central Land Council. The company also secured government exploration grants to co-fund drilling and metallurgical testwork, reflecting public sector support for critical mineral development.
Looking Ahead
While the MoU is non-binding and subject to further negotiation, it signals a clear commercial pathway for the Sandover Fluorite Project. The next 12 to 18 months will be pivotal as Tivan delivers its Pre-Feasibility Study and advances drilling, setting the stage for potential binding agreements and project financing.
Bottom Line?
Tivan’s alliance with Sumitomo marks a decisive step toward establishing Australia as a key fluorite supplier in critical mineral markets.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the Pre-Feasibility Study reveal about the project's economic viability?
- How will market demand for metspar and acidgrade fluorspar evolve amid global supply constraints?
- What are the timelines and risks associated with environmental and cultural heritage approvals?
