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Highlights
- Tivan and Sumitomo form joint venture for Speewah Fluorite Project
- Up to A$60.3 million investment for 22.5% stake from Japan Fluorite Corporation
- Project aligned with Australia’s strategic critical minerals roadmap
Tivan Limited (ASX:TVN) has announced a landmark joint venture with Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo Corporation to develop the Speewah Fluorite Project in Western Australia. The collaboration marks a significant step forward in establishing the country’s first-ever fluorite mining and processing facility, with the goal of producing high-purity acid-grade fluorspar for global export markets.
Under the binding agreement, Sumitomo’s subsidiary, Japan Fluorite Corporation, may invest up to A$60.3 million to secure a 22.5% stake in the integrated joint venture (IJV). This capital injection is expected to accelerate project development and support Australia’s ambitions in critical minerals. The venture represents a key milestone for Tivan as it continues to scale its operations and advance national strategic priorities.
Tivan will retain management control of the joint venture for a minimum of five years, overseeing development, construction, and operational phases of the project. A feasibility study is already in progress, supported by an initial investment of A$5.3 million from Japan Fluorite Corporation, along with funding from the International Partnerships in Critical Minerals (IPCM) program. These efforts are designed to fast-track the project and secure future supply chains.
An offtake agreement forms part of the term sheet, covering up to 100% of the project’s output. Notably, 80% of the offtake is structured on a take-or-pay basis, which helps ensure consistent revenue streams and mitigates market volatility risks.
The strategic partnership underscores a broader shift among companies on the ASX 200, aiming to capitalise on Australia’s rich resource base and transition towards critical mineral independence. With growing global demand for fluorite—essential in steelmaking, chemicals, and electronics—this project may help position Tivan as a key player in the critical minerals space.
In remarks on the partnership, Tivan Executive Chairman Grant Wilson expressed gratitude to Sumitomo for their long-term vision and collaborative approach. He emphasized the alignment of the project with national interests and its potential to deliver lasting social and economic benefits, particularly for Traditional Owners in the East Kimberley region.
For those following developments in ASX dividend stocks, Tivan’s evolving strategy and partnerships could play a part in long-term portfolio considerations as it scales up production and expands its influence in the critical minerals market.
This new joint venture not only sets a precedent for Australia’s fluorite industry but also highlights how collaboration between domestic and international players is vital to unlocking resource potential and driving sustainable economic growth within the ASX 200 framework.
