Tivan Uncovers 1km Manganese-Barite Gossan Hinting at Polymetallic Riches

Discovery at Walshy’s Wall

Tivan Limited has announced a significant breakthrough at its Sandover Fluorite Project in the Northern Territory with the discovery of an extensive manganese-barite gossan. Spanning more than 1 kilometre in strike length, this gossan was identified during a field reconnaissance and sampling program in October 2025. Rock chip assays returned manganese grades as high as 44.8%, alongside elevated copper, tungsten, and beryllium levels, suggesting the presence of a complex polymetallic system.

The discovery site, dubbed Walshy’s Wall, lies approximately 230 kilometres northeast of Alice Springs and adjacent to Tivan’s recently acquired Molyhil Tungsten-Molybdenum Project. The manganese-barite gossan represents the weathered surface expression of underlying sulphide mineralisation, a classic indicator of potentially significant ore bodies concealed beneath the surface.

Polymetallic Potential and Geological Significance

The combination of manganese with barite, copper, beryllium, and tungsten in the gossan points to a hydrothermal origin, hinting at a broader mineralised system. Such systems often form along structural conduits where mineral-rich fluids have altered the host rocks. The presence of copper is particularly noteworthy, as it may signal oxidised sulphide mineralisation at depth, a hallmark of many economically important deposits.

Adding to the excitement, ultra high-grade fluorite veins with calcium fluoride content up to 98.4% were found in the same outcrop. This aligns with Tivan’s ongoing fluorite exploration strategy and complements their critical minerals portfolio. Historically, gossans have been the discovery points for major Australian base metal deposits like Mount Isa and Broken Hill, underscoring the potential significance of this find.

Next Steps in Exploration

Tivan plans to extend reconnaissance mapping and sampling along the strike of Walshy’s Wall to fully delineate the mineralised horizon. Following this, geophysical surveys will be conducted to identify targets for initial drilling, provisionally scheduled for March or April 2026. The company is working closely with the Central Land Council and Northern Territory government to expedite approvals, leveraging the location’s accessibility and tenure security.

Executive Chairman Grant Wilson expressed enthusiasm about the discovery, noting the surprise that such a large-scale mineralised system had not been previously recorded, likely due to the remoteness and historical dormancy of the tenements. He highlighted the potential for this discovery to underpin a high-value critical minerals precinct in central Australia.

Broader Implications

This discovery not only enhances Tivan’s asset base but also positions the company at the forefront of polymetallic exploration in a region with proven mineral endowment. The integration of manganese, fluorite, and critical metals like tungsten and beryllium could attract significant investor interest, especially given the growing demand for critical minerals globally.

While still at an early stage, the findings warrant close attention as further exploration results emerge. The potential scale and grade of the mineralisation will be critical in determining the project's economic viability and future development pathways.