Speewah Project Faces Negotiation Milestones Amid Native Title Challenges

Context and Significance

Tivan Limited (ASX: TVN), a critical minerals explorer, has taken a pivotal step in advancing its Speewah Fluorite Project by finalising a Resourcing Protocol Agreement (RPA) with the Kimberley Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (KLC). This agreement formalises the procedures and funding arrangements necessary to engage meaningfully with the Nganjuwarr native title claimants, who hold registered claims over the Speewah Project area.

The RPA is a foundational document that sets the stage for negotiating an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA), a critical regulatory and cultural milestone for mining projects on native title lands. By establishing a clear framework for consultation and consent, Tivan is aligning its project development with contemporary expectations for Indigenous engagement and social licence.

Building on Established Relationships

This latest agreement follows Tivan’s earlier Heritage Protection Agreement and subsequent Deed of Variation with the KLC, which govern heritage and native title rights for exploration and mining tenements within the Speewah area. These prior arrangements have already facilitated culturally sensitive exploration activities, including a metallurgical drilling campaign completed in late 2024 under the Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) framework.

The RPA extends this collaborative approach by outlining a schedule of five full-day negotiation meetings with the Nganjuwarr claimants over the coming year, culminating in a two-day authorisation meeting in the first half of 2026. Executive Chairman Grant Wilson will personally represent Tivan in these discussions, underscoring the company’s commitment to respectful and inclusive engagement.

Strategic and Market Implications

Securing an ILUA is often a complex and time-sensitive process that can significantly influence project timelines and investor confidence. By proactively establishing the RPA, Tivan is not only mitigating regulatory and social risks but also positioning itself to meet its project delivery schedule without undue delay.

In addition, the emphasis on FPIC and an Aboriginal Social Impact Assessment reflects a growing industry benchmark for responsible mining practices in Australia’s critical minerals sector. Tivan’s approach could set a precedent for how junior explorers navigate native title negotiations, balancing cultural respect with commercial imperatives.

Looking Ahead

While the RPA provides a structured pathway, the ultimate success of the ILUA negotiations will depend on the dynamics of stakeholder engagement and the evolving regulatory environment. The scheduled meetings in 2025 and early 2026 will be critical milestones to watch, as they will shape the feasibility and timing of the Speewah Project’s next phases.

Executive Chairman Grant Wilson’s public remarks highlight optimism and respect, noting the RPA as a “foundational step” and expressing hopes to set a new benchmark for Indigenous engagement in the sector. This signals Tivan’s awareness that social licence is as vital as geological potential in unlocking value.