Tivan Limited’s Stage Two drilling at the Sandover Fluorite Project delivers broad, high-grade fluorite intersections up to 74.3% CaF2, validating exploration models and setting the stage for a maiden resource estimate.
- High-grade fluorite intersections up to 74.3% CaF2
- Continuity confirmed across ~2.25km of fluorite reefs
- Mineralisation remains open along strike and at depth
- Plans underway for Exploration Target and Stage Three drilling
- Strategic focus on acidgrade fluorspar production for critical minerals market
Broad High-Grade Fluorite Intersections Signal Potential World-Class Discovery
Tivan Limited (ASX:TVN) has reported compelling assay results from its Stage Two reverse circulation (RC) drilling at the Sandover Fluorite Project in the Northern Territory, revealing broad intersections of high-grade fluorite mineralisation. The standout intercepts include 18m at 25.1% CaF2 (with 7m at 54.9%) and a peak 3m interval grading 74.3% CaF2, underscoring the project's potential to evolve into a world-class fluorite deposit.
The drilling program, completed in June 2026, encompassed 58 holes totalling 5,884m and targeted seven priority fluorite reefs identified from earlier exploration phases. Notably, mineralisation was intersected consistently across three key reefs; A, C, and E; spanning approximately 2.25km of outcrop. Importantly, the mineralised zones remain open both along strike and at depth, indicating significant scope for resource expansion.
Validation of Exploration Model and Strategic Resource Development
Tivan’s Stage Two results have validated its exploration model by confirming the continuity and complexity of high-grade fluorite mineralisation, including the presence of stockwork mineralisation adjacent to primary veins. The company has earmarked Reefs A, C, and E as priority targets for upcoming resource-focused drilling, with plans to develop an Exploration Target and advance towards a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate.
The Sandover Project’s fluorite mineralisation occurs within hydrothermal quartz veins hosted by the Lower Proterozoic Jinka Granite, part of the Aileron Province geological setting. The drilling has improved understanding of vein geometry, thickness, and continuity, revealing characteristic pinch-and-swell vein structures that vary both laterally and vertically.
Acidgrade Fluorspar Production and Strategic Partnerships
Tivan aims to produce acidgrade fluorspar (CaF2 content >97%) from Sandover, a critical mineral for hydrofluoric acid production and downstream applications like lithium-ion batteries and semiconductor manufacturing. This aligns with the Australian Government’s designation of fluorine as a critical mineral in 2023 and addresses the current absence of domestic fluorspar production.
The company is concurrently progressing development of the Speewah Fluorite Project in Western Australia through a joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation and JOGMEC, focusing on an Australian-first acidgrade fluorspar mining and processing operation. Tivan has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Sumitomo to explore collaborative commercial agreements for the Sandover Project, signaling strong international interest in securing supply.
Next Steps and Exploration Outlook
Tivan is preparing for Stage Three drilling at Sandover, combining RC and diamond drilling to support resource definition and metallurgical testwork aimed at producing an on-specification acidgrade fluorspar product. The integration of drilling results with surface mapping and geophysical data will underpin an Exploration Target, providing an initial scale and grade assessment to guide future drilling.
Regulatory and heritage clearances are in place for current activities, with further approvals planned ahead of Stage Three. The company’s Executive Chairman, Grant Wilson, highlighted the strategic value of Sandover as a long-term, high-grade fluorite supply source for trusted partners in Japan, following its acquisition for a modest sum in 2024.
Bottom Line?
Tivan’s robust Stage Two drilling results at Sandover reinforce its potential as a significant domestic fluorite source, but the true scale and economic viability await the upcoming Exploration Target and maiden resource definition.
Questions in the middle?
- How will metallurgical testing confirm the commercial viability of acidgrade fluorspar production from Sandover?
- What scale and grade range will the forthcoming Exploration Target reveal for the Sandover mineralised system?
- How might ongoing negotiations with Sumitomo and JOGMEC influence project financing and development timelines?