Tivan’s Speewah Fluorspar Milestone Raises Questions on Offtake and Production Risks
Tivan Limited has dispatched its inaugural acid grade fluorspar samples from the Speewah Fluorite Project to potential buyers in Japan and Asia, marking a significant step in its offtake marketing program led by Sumitomo Corporation.
- First acid grade fluorspar samples sent from Speewah to Asian end users
- Offtake marketing program advanced by Sumitomo Corporation
- Joint venture includes Sumitomo Corporation and Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security
- Term sheet in place for up to 100% of production with 80% take-or-pay commitment
- Further sample production planned into early 2026
Milestone Dispatch of Speewah Samples
Tivan Limited has reached a pivotal milestone in the development of its Speewah Fluorite Project in Western Australia by dispatching its first acid grade fluorspar samples to potential end users in Japan and Asia. These samples, produced from carefully sourced ore through diamond core drilling and metallurgical testwork, are now undergoing assessment to meet stringent product specifications demanded by the Asian market.
Strategic Partnership and Offtake Progress
The sample dispatch is a key component of an offtake marketing program being driven by Sumitomo Corporation, a major Japanese trading company and Tivan’s joint venture partner. Alongside the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, Sumitomo is advancing plans to secure long-term sales agreements. The parties have already agreed to a term sheet covering up to 100% of the project’s production, with a firm commitment to purchase 80% on a take-or-pay basis, underscoring strong commercial confidence in the product.
Australian-First Production Ambitions
The Speewah Project aims to establish Australia’s first mining and processing operation dedicated to producing acid grade fluorspar, a critical mineral used in various industrial applications including the manufacture of hydrofluoric acid. The successful production and dispatch of these initial samples demonstrate the technical progress made by Tivan’s engineering and geology teams, who have worked diligently to translate exploration success into market-ready product.
Looking Ahead to Further Development
Tivan plans to continue producing additional samples into early 2026 to support ongoing marketing efforts and finalize binding offtake agreements. These steps are crucial to underpinning the project’s financing and eventual production ramp-up. Executive Chairman Grant Wilson expressed confidence in the demand outlook, highlighting the marketing momentum Sumitomo has generated across Asia.
Implications for the Fluorspar Market
This development not only advances Tivan’s project but also signals growing interest in Australian-sourced fluorspar amid global supply chain diversification efforts. With Asia representing a significant market for acid grade fluorspar, the Speewah Project’s progress could position Australia as a key supplier in this strategic mineral sector.
Bottom Line?
Tivan’s sample dispatch marks a critical step toward commercial production, with market demand and binding agreements now in focus.
Questions in the middle?
- When will Tivan and partners finalize the binding offtake agreements?
- How will the Speewah Project’s production costs compare to global fluorspar suppliers?
- What are the potential risks that could delay the project’s development timeline?