Tivan (ASX:TVN) has released promising new data from its Sandover project in the Northern Territory, highlighting ultra high-grade fluorite intersections that could significantly boost Australia’s standing in the global critical minerals market. The recent rock chip sampling campaign delivered fluorite grades of up to 88.4% CaF₂ (calcium fluorite)—among the highest recorded in Australian exploration to date.
The company also announced the presence of barite mineralisation, with samples returning up to 63.6% barium oxide (BaO), indicating multi-mineral potential in a region considered largely underexplored for industrial commodities.
Sandover site: Fluorite-bearing structures identified in recent surface mapping.
Image: jonnysek/stock.adobe.com
Fluorite Grades That Redefine Potential
The headline grabber from Tivan’s latest update is the concentration of calcium fluorite (CaF₂) found in surface rock chips. Samples from multiple locations within the Sandover tenement area returned grades between 70% and 88.4%, far exceeding the typical benchmark for economic extraction, which usually sits around 45% CaF₂.
“These are world-class numbers,” said CEO Grant Wilson. “The Sandover project is quickly shaping up as a premier domestic source of fluorite.”
The announcement marks a significant step forward in Australia’s efforts to reduce reliance on imported fluorspar, a mineral critical for aluminium production, lithium battery manufacturing, and chemical refining.
Fluorite: A Critical Mineral in Demand
Acid-grade fluorite, also known as fluorspar, plays a vital role in manufacturing hydrofluoric acid—a key input used across technologies such as electric vehicles, solar panels, and semiconductor components. Despite its strategic importance, Australia currently has no commercial fluorspar production, relying entirely on imports from countries like China and Mexico.
With the Tivan Sandover fluorite results, Australia may finally have a project capable of entering global supply chains—and on competitive terms.
Rock chip sampling underway at Sandover – a region rich in critical mineral signatures.
Source: [Discovery Alert]
Barite Bonus: Dual-Mineral Opportunity
Beyond fluorite, Tivan’s campaign uncovered significant concentrations of barite, another high-demand industrial mineral. Several samples returned over 60% barium oxide, a grade that meets international specifications for use in drilling fluids, paints, plastics, and medical imaging.
“The concurrent discovery of barite opens an exciting dual-stream development path,” said Wilson. “This makes Sandover even more strategic from a commercial and logistical standpoint.”
Barite and fluorite often co-occur geologically, particularly in low-temperature hydrothermal vein systems—aligning with structural observations at Sandover.
Drilling Plans Underway
Tivan has begun groundwork for its inaugural drill campaign at the Sandover project, aiming to commence exploration activities by the third quarter of 2025, with geological and permitting preparations already underway. The program will target subsurface extensions of high-grade surface showings and map continuity across the broader tenement area.
Early-stage geophysics, soil sampling, and hyperspectral imaging have also been planned to complement drilling, giving Tivan a clearer picture of resource tonnage potential.
Proposed drill pads at Sandover set for Q3 2025 testing.
Source: [Tivan Exploration Deck]
Northern Territory: A Rising Critical Minerals Frontier
Positioned in the northeastern stretch of the Northern Territory, the Sandover project is emerging as a key player amid the region’s growing reputation as a strategic hub for critical minerals exploration, backed by strong government support and new investment momentum.
The Territory offers a combination of:
- Underexplored geology
- Infrastructure support
- Government incentives for strategic mineral development
Tivan’s exploration aligns with federal goals to diversify supply chains and position Australia as a secure source of non-China-origin critical materials.
Industry Reaction and Outlook
Industry analysts have called the Tivan Sandover fluorite results a “potential game-changer” for Australia’s industrial minerals sector. If grades are confirmed at depth, Sandover could emerge as one of the highest-grade undeveloped fluorite deposits globally.
“The combination of ultra high-grade fluorite and barite is rare,” said mining consultant Ella Moreton. “Few juniors globally are sitting on surface grades this high.”
The market responded positively, with Tivan’s share price jumping 12% following the announcement, on heavier-than-average trading volume.
What’s Next?
Tivan plans to:
- Launch maiden RC and diamond drilling by late Q3 2025
- File a mineral resource estimate by mid-2026
- Initiate preliminary economic studies if early drilling is successful
- Explore offtake or JV partnerships, especially with downstream fluorochemical companies
With demand for fluorite surging due to its role in clean energy, defence, and technology manufacturing, the timing couldn’t be better.
