Tivan’s Turiscai Sampling Yields Up to 9.65% Copper and 7.19 g/t Gold

Exploration Breakthrough in Timor-Leste

Tivan Limited (ASX – TVN) has announced a significant milestone in its exploration campaign with the discovery of high-grade copper and gold mineralisation at its Turiscai Project in Timor-Leste. The maiden surface sampling program, initiated mid-2025, returned assay results that include copper grades as high as 9.65% and gold concentrations reaching 7.19 grams per tonne. These results mark the first geochemical assays ever reported from the Turiscai area, underscoring the project's untapped potential.

Strategic Location and Geological Promise

Located roughly 40 kilometres south of Timor-Leste’s capital, Dili, the Turiscai Project spans seven exploration licenses covering 344 square kilometres across three municipalities. The geological setting bears resemblance to some of the world’s notable copper-gold deposits such as Grasberg in Indonesia and Ok Tedi in Papua New Guinea. This analogy elevates expectations for the scale and quality of mineralisation that might be present.

Sampling Program and Early Insights

The initial phase of exploration involved collecting 90 rock chip samples, primarily from river systems where copper mineralisation was visually identified. While many samples were from transported float material rather than in-situ outcrops, they provide valuable reconnaissance data indicating mineralisation across multiple catchments. The detection of anomalous zinc grades up to 6.17% further enriches the geochemical profile of the area.

Despite logistical challenges posed by seasonal rains and river conditions, Tivan’s in-country geology team employed fly-camping techniques to access remote areas, demonstrating a committed and adaptive approach to exploration. The program continues with expanded sampling, including stream sediments and soils, aimed at refining targets for future drilling.

Building Local Capability and Future Plans

In line with its commitment to sustainable exploration, Tivan has increased its local geology team to five professionals, enhancing on-ground expertise and community engagement. The company also recently acquired the Baucau and Ossu Projects, signaling an ambitious expansion of its Timor-Leste portfolio.

Looking ahead, Tivan plans to integrate systematic geological mapping, geochemical soil sampling, and geophysical surveys to develop a robust framework for drill targeting. The company’s Executive Chairman, Grant Wilson, highlighted the importance of these early results in justifying further investment and scaling of local capabilities, emphasizing the broader opportunity Timor-Leste presents.

Context and Market Implications

These assay results come at a time when copper and gold remain critical commodities for global industries, particularly in the context of energy transition and technology demand. Tivan’s progress in a relatively underexplored jurisdiction could position it advantageously if subsequent drilling confirms continuity and scale. However, as with all early-stage exploration, the true extent of mineralisation and economic viability remain to be established.