Tivan Limited’s regional stream sediment sampling at Turiscai reveals highly anomalous copper and gold grades, alongside key pathfinder elements, advancing the project towards maiden drilling.
- Stream sediment assays up to 434 ppm Cu and 0.801 ppm Au
- Pathfinder elements indicative of porphyry systems detected
- Stage Two exploration underway with rock chips hitting 23.1% Cu
- Collaboration with Timor-Leste authorities unlocks new geophysical data
- Maiden drilling targeted following refined exploration models
Regional Stream Sediment Sampling Delivers Promising Copper-Gold Anomalies
Tivan Limited (ASX:TVN) has reported compelling assay results from its Turiscai Project in Timor-Leste, where regional stream sediment sampling returned copper grades as high as 434 ppm and gold up to 0.801 ppm. These figures stand out as highly anomalous against established baseline values, suggesting the presence of significant upstream mineralisation. Notably, the sampling also detected anomalous silver, bismuth, and selenium, key pathfinder elements often associated with porphyry-style copper-gold deposits.
The program encompassed 304 stream sediment samples, with 207 assays completed to date. The results build on earlier rock chip discoveries, which included copper grades up to 9.65% and gold to 7.19 g/t, reinforcing the project’s potential across multiple locations. Turiscai's geological setting bears similarities to major regional deposits like Grasberg and Ok Tedi, adding weight to the exploration thesis.
Stage Two Exploration Ramps Up with Targeted Sampling and Geophysics
Following the completion of Stage One, Tivan’s in-country geology team has launched Stage Two, focusing on prospect-scale exploration of priority targets identified earlier. This phase includes detailed mapping, infill sampling, and geophysical surveys aimed at defining drill-ready copper-gold targets. Early rock chip assays from Stage Two have already yielded impressive copper grades up to 23.1%, lending confidence to the company’s targeting model.
Access to new geophysical datasets has been secured through collaboration with the Autoridade Nacional dos Minerais and Murak Rai Timor, enhancing the precision of exploration efforts. Additionally, Tivan engaged Southern Geoscience Consultants in May 2026 to reprocess and interpret regional geophysical data, with outcomes expected shortly. This integration of geochemical and geophysical data is critical to refining drill targets and accelerating the project timeline.
Strategic Positioning in Timor-Leste’s Emerging Copper-Gold Sector
The Turiscai Project lies roughly 40km south of Dili, Timor-Leste’s capital, in a region with limited historical exploration but promising geological analogues. Tivan’s systematic approach, combining regional stream sediment sampling with targeted rock chip assays and geophysics, is designed to overcome the challenges posed by rugged terrain and seasonal weather.
Executive Chairman Grant Wilson highlighted the dedication of the local team navigating difficult conditions and cultural adjustments, underscoring the significance of these early exploration steps. The company is simultaneously advancing its Ossu Project, with maiden drilling planned for Q4 2026, reflecting a broader strategy to establish a copper-gold resource base in Timor-Leste.
The exploration program’s momentum aligns with Tivan’s recent joint ventures with Murak Rai and the bolstering of its local capabilities through key appointments, such as Major Michael Stone’s advisory role, which enhance stakeholder engagement and operational execution.
Path Ahead: From Sampling to Drilling
While assay results for some stream sediment samples remain pending due to export delays, Tivan is pressing ahead with expanded fieldwork as weather permits. The company plans to integrate systematic mapping, soil geochemistry, and geophysical surveys to build a robust geological dataset. These efforts will underpin Stage Three, the maiden drilling campaign, marking a critical milestone for the Turiscai Project.
In parallel, ongoing geophysical data reinterpretation and collaboration with local authorities aim to sharpen exploration focus and reduce risk. The combination of geochemical anomalies, pathfinder elements, and geological parallels to world-class deposits makes Turiscai a project to watch as it moves from reconnaissance to resource definition.
Bottom Line?
Tivan’s Turiscai exploration advances from promising geochemical signals towards drill-ready targets, with upcoming assay and geophysical results set to shape the next phase.
Questions in the middle?
- How will pending assay results influence target prioritisation at Turiscai?
- What geophysical survey methods will best delineate porphyry-style mineralisation here?
- Can Tivan replicate Turiscai’s early successes at its other Timor-Leste projects?