Tivan Plans 7,000m Maiden Drilling After Signing Key Exploration Deed
Tivan Limited has formalised its exploration rights with Traditional Owners for the Sandover Fluorite Project and is gearing up for a significant maiden drilling campaign targeting high-grade fluorite veins.
- Signed Mineral Exploration Deed with Central Land Council
- Obtained Sacred Site Clearance Certificate covering drilling area
- Maiden 7,000m drilling program planned for October 2025
- Partnership MoU with Sumitomo Corporation advancing development
- Partial funding secured via Northern Territory government exploration grant
Securing Land Access and Cultural Approvals
Tivan Limited (ASX, TVN) has reached a pivotal milestone in its Northern Territory fluorite ambitions by signing a Mineral Exploration Deed with the Central Land Council (CLC). This agreement, representing the Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders of Central Australia, grants Tivan formal consent to conduct exploration activities on the Sandover Fluorite Project tenements. The Deed not only governs operational protocols but also embeds respect for cultural heritage and sacred sites, reflecting Tivan's commitment to responsible engagement on country.
Complementing this, Tivan has secured a Sacred Site Clearance Certificate from the CLC, valid for two years, specifically covering the area earmarked for the upcoming drilling campaign. This certification underscores the company’s adherence to best practices in navigating the sensitive cultural landscape of the region.
Advancing Exploration with a Robust Drilling Program
Building on promising surface sampling and mapping that revealed ultra-high-grade calcium fluorite veins, Tivan is preparing to launch its maiden drilling program. The campaign, targeting approximately 7,000 metres across 65 reverse circulation and diamond holes, is scheduled to commence in October 2025, pending final regulatory approval from the Northern Territory Government. This drilling effort aims to delineate the extent and quality of the fluorite deposit, a critical step toward defining a viable resource.
Notably, the drilling program benefits from partial funding through the Northern Territory Government’s Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations program, reflecting public sector support for advancing mineral exploration in the region.
Strategic Partnerships and Development Pathways
Tivan’s strategic Memorandum of Understanding with Sumitomo Corporation, a Fortune Global 500 Japanese trading house, signals a serious intent to progress the Sandover Fluorite Project beyond exploration. This partnership could provide both technical expertise and market access, particularly given Sumitomo’s global footprint in industrial minerals.
Looking ahead, Tivan is exploring an expedited production pathway focused on producing metspar, a high-purity fluorite product, using ore sorting technology. Early-stage test work and assay results expected in the first quarter of 2026 will be crucial in assessing this approach’s viability. Additionally, a preliminary logistics study has yielded positive indications for transporting product to port, setting the stage for more detailed project studies next year.
Outlook and Market Implications
With regulatory approvals anticipated imminently and drilling planned to start shortly, Tivan is positioning itself to unlock value from a fluorite deposit that could meet growing industrial demand. The company’s methodical approach, balancing cultural respect, regulatory compliance, and technical rigor, provides a solid foundation for advancing the project. Investors will be watching closely as assay results and further project milestones unfold, potentially reshaping Tivan’s growth trajectory in the specialty minerals sector.
Bottom Line?
Tivan’s next few months will be critical as drilling results and regulatory approvals shape the future of its Sandover Fluorite ambitions.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the maiden drilling confirm the high-grade fluorite veins indicated by surface sampling?
- How will the partnership with Sumitomo influence project financing and development timelines?
- What are the potential challenges in securing final environmental approvals and community support?