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| Fluorite mineral |
Government funds to support drilling, metallurgical testing, and scoping study
Direct shipping and acid-grade fluorspar routes under evaluation
Tivan has secured $150,000 in exploration funding from the Northern Territory Government to advance its Sandover fluorite project, located 230km northeast of Alice Springs. The grant includes $100,000 for a maiden reverse circulation (RC) drilling program and $50,000 for metallurgical testwork.
The funds were awarded under Round 18 of the NT Government’s Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations (GDC) program. These resources will enable Tivan to accelerate early-stage exploration and define potential development pathways. Acquired in November 2024, Sandover has already shown promise, with strong assay results from surface sampling conducted in December.
Two development strategies are being explored: a direct shipping ore (DSO) model focused on producing metspar for industrial applications, and a conventional beneficiation route targeting acid-grade fluorspar for use in chemical processes. Metallurgical testing will inform economic viability and end-use alignment.
Planning and environmental approvals for the upcoming drill campaign are in progress. Tivan is also applying for a mining licence, with executive chairman Grant Wilson leading engagement with the Central Land Council and local Traditional Owners. He expressed gratitude to the NT Government for recognizing the project’s strategic value and emphasized the company's commitment to Central Australia.
Tivan’s geological team is scheduled to return to Sandover in September–October, following the current drilling program at the Speewah fluorite project. During this period, the company plans to initiate a scoping study to assess long-term production potential. The Sandover grant follows earlier support under GDC Round 17 for AI-related resource targeting at the same site.
ScrapInsight Editorial Commentary
Tivan’s grant-backed progress at Sandover highlights renewed investor and government interest in domestic fluorspar supply. As global supply chains tighten and fluorspar demand rises for both metallurgical and chemical uses, Australia could emerge as a key supplier. Watch for upward momentum in exploratory-stage assets as market participants seek alternatives to Chinese-dominated sources.
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