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Highlights
- Tivan Limited is set to begin ground-disturbing works for the Speewah Fluorite Project on 16 October 2024, after notifying the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) about the exploration operations.
- The Speewah Fluorite Project has a JORC-compliant resource of 37.3 million tonnes at 9.1% CaF₂, with a high-grade component of 8.6 million tonnes at 22.8% CaF₂.
- Tivan has secured cultural heritage clearances in collaboration with the Kimberley Land Council and Traditional Owners, allowing the project to proceed.
Tivan Limited (ASX:TVN) has announced that it is set to begin ground-disturbing works for the Speewah Fluorite Project, located in the Kimberley region of north-east Western Australia, on 16 October, 2024. The company has notified the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) regarding the commencement of exploration operations.
Project Overview
The Speewah Fluorite Project is situated approximately 100 kilometers south of the Port of Wyndham and 110 kilometers south-west of Kununurra, covering an area of 226 square kilometers. The project consists of seven granted tenements, including both exploration and mining leases. Tivan holds a JORC-compliant Indicated and Inferred Resource of 37.3 million tonnes at 9.1% CaF₂, equating to 3.39 million tonnes of fluorspar. A high-grade component of 8.6 million tonnes at 22.8% CaF₂ is also identified, amounting to 1.95 million tonnes of fluorspar.
In July 2024, Tivan completed a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) that confirmed the technical and economic viability of the project. The PFS focused on the mining and processing of fluorite ore to produce acid-grade fluorspar, a key material used in various industrial applications.
Cultural Heritage and Environmental Clearances
Tivan has secured the necessary cultural heritage clearances for the project, following an agreement with the Kimberley Land Council (KLC) and Traditional Owners. This process ensures that cultural heritage and Native Title rights are protected during exploration and development. The Heritage Protection Agreement (HPA), established in December 2023, was extended in September 2024 to include additional mining leases and a miscellaneous license, ensuring that all components of the Speewah Fluorite Project and the Speewah Vanadium Titanomagnetite Project are covered.
The HPA has been instrumental in facilitating cultural heritage surveys conducted by EHSIS, a subsidiary of KRED Enterprises. EHSIS, which organizes heritage surveys on behalf of the KLC and Traditional Owners, completed its Ethnographic Work Program Heritage Survey between August 6-9, 2024. The survey results, received by Tivan on October 10, 2024, have cleared the way for Tivan to proceed with its work program in accordance with the HPA.
In addition to cultural clearances, Tivan has also secured a "Licence to Take Water" under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914. This temporary license, issued on October 7, 2024, is valid until April 2025 and will support Tivan’s planned drilling program. A long-term water license application will follow during this interim period.
Civil Works and Local Engagement
Tivan has appointed Ngarranggarni Civil and Mining as the civil works contractor for the project following a competitive tender process. The contractor, based in Halls Creek, has a strong reputation and ties within the local community. The award of this contract is part of Tivan’s broader strategy to engage local contractors and support Aboriginal businesses and employment opportunities. This approach will continue to be a priority in future tenders for the Speewah Fluorite Project.
The first phase of the civil works will include bulk earthmoving and preparatory activities to support future mining operations. The project's infrastructure development and workforce are expected to significantly benefit the local economy and provide valuable opportunities for regional businesses.
