Speewah Targets 150,000tpa Acid-Grade Fluorite for US-Japan Markets

Strategic Recognition in Global Supply Chains

The Speewah Fluorite Project, located in Western Australia and developed by Tivan Limited in partnership with Japanese entities Sumitomo Corporation and JOGMEC, has been formally included in a high-profile Joint Fact Sheet issued by the governments of Japan and the United States. This inclusion follows a summit meeting between Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi and US President Trump, underscoring the project’s strategic role in securing critical mineral supply chains essential for advanced industries.

The Joint Fact Sheet highlights a select group of projects deemed vital to strengthening supply resilience for critical minerals and rare earths. Speewah’s designation reflects its potential to supply acid-grade fluorite, a key raw material in hydrofluoric acid production, which is indispensable for semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicle batteries, and other high-tech applications.

Collaborative Development and Market Focus

Tivan’s joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation, a major Japanese trading house, and JOGMEC, a Japanese government agency focused on resource security, aims to establish Australia’s first fluorite mining and processing operation. The project targets commercial production of 150,000 tonnes per annum by fiscal year 2028, positioning it as a significant western-source supplier close to key Asian industrial markets.

This collaboration not only strengthens bilateral ties but also aligns with the October 2025 Japan-US Framework for Securing the Supply of Critical Minerals and Rare Earths. The framework commits both governments to mobilise financial and regulatory support for projects that enhance supply chain resilience, including grants, loans, and offtake agreements.

Implications for Australia and Global Markets

The Speewah Project’s inclusion in the Joint Fact Sheet signals a growing recognition of Australia’s role in the global critical minerals landscape. By developing a sovereign capability to produce high-quality acid-grade fluorite, Australia can contribute meaningfully to supply chains that underpin semiconductor fabrication, electric vehicles, nuclear enrichment, and other advanced technologies.

Executive Chairman Grant Wilson emphasised the strategic importance of the project, noting the United States’ complete reliance on imports for fluorite and the opportunity for Speewah to fill this critical gap. The project’s progress also reflects the trusted relationships Tivan has cultivated with Japanese stakeholders, which are likely to facilitate further government and private sector investment.

Looking ahead, Tivan’s leadership will engage with US government officials to explore additional support mechanisms as part of a broader plurilateral trade initiative aimed at securing critical mineral supply chains among like-minded countries.