Can Tivan’s Ore Sorting Breakthrough Transform Speewah’s Fluorite Economics?
Tivan Limited reports outstanding metallurgical test results for its Speewah Fluorite Project, achieving acidgrade fluorite purity exceeding industry standards and unveiling promising ore sorting technology that could reshape project economics.
- Acidgrade fluorite grades up to 99% CaF2 surpassing 97% standard
- Preliminary ore sorting rejects 56% gangue with minimal fluorite loss
- Ore sorting could reduce plant size, water use, tailings, and costs
- Consultants engaged for ore sorting integration concept study
- Samples being prepared for Asian end-users as part of offtake marketing
Premium Fluorite Quality Validated
Tivan Limited has delivered another strong milestone for its Speewah Fluorite Project in Western Australia, reporting metallurgical testwork results that exceed the acidgrade fluorspar industry standard. The latest flotation and comminution tests on recently drilled core from late 2024 have produced fluorite grades as high as 99% calcium fluoride (CaF2), surpassing the 97% benchmark required for acidgrade products. This reinforces the robustness of the project’s flowsheet design and supports ongoing feasibility studies.
Ore Sorting, A Game-Changer for Project Economics
Perhaps more intriguing is the preliminary success of ore sorting testwork, a dry physical beneficiation process that separates valuable fluorite from gangue before milling. The tests achieved a remarkable 56% rejection of non-ore material with only minimal fluorite loss, suggesting significant potential to streamline processing. This could translate into smaller milling equipment, reduced water consumption, lower tailings volumes, and decreased operating and sustaining capital costs. The environmental benefits are notable too, including reduced carbon emissions and the possibility of repurposing rejected gangue for civil works.
Strategic Partnerships and Next Steps
To explore these promising results further, Tivan has engaged Lycopodium and Orway Mineral Consultants to conduct a concept study on integrating ore sorting into the project’s flowsheet. This study will run alongside the ongoing Feasibility Study and is expected to conclude later this year, informing critical development decisions. Meanwhile, Tivan is preparing acidgrade fluorite samples for potential end-users in Asia, advancing its offtake marketing program in partnership with Sumitomo Corporation. The project itself is a joint venture with Sumitomo and Japan’s JOGMEC, underscoring its strategic importance.
Optimisation and Future Outlook
Additional testwork continues through 2025, including variability and optimisation programs to refine flotation parameters and address impurities such as silica. While current fluorite recoveries are slightly below pre-feasibility targets, ongoing adjustments show promise for improvement. Tivan is also investigating the production of a metallurgical grade fluorite by-product, which could add further value. The company’s methodical approach to de-risking the project through rigorous testwork and engineering studies positions Speewah as a potential new critical export sector for Australia.
Bottom Line?
Tivan’s integration of cutting-edge ore sorting technology could redefine Speewah’s cost structure and environmental footprint, setting the stage for a pivotal feasibility decision.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the ore sorting concept study influence the final process flowsheet and capital expenditure?
- What are the timelines and expected outcomes for the Definitive Feasibility Study and final investment decision?
- How competitive will Speewah’s acidgrade fluorite be in the Asian market amid evolving global supply dynamics?
