Tivan Limited has made significant strides in advancing its Speewah Fluorite Project in Western Australia, a development that resonates with Australia’s strategic focus on critical minerals. The company secured a non-binding and conditional letter of support from Export Finance Australia, while simultaneously progressing into the Due Diligence Phase of the investment process with the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility. This follows the completion of NAIF’s Strategic Assessment Phase, confirming early-stage alignment in terms of project feasibility, indigenous engagement, and regional economic benefits. The project, located in the Kimberley region near Wyndham, is set to become Australia’s inaugural fluorite mining and processing operation capable of producing acid-grade fluorspar with over 97% calcium fluorite. Tivan Limited is pursuing this opportunity through an incorporated joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation and the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, further backed by initial equity injections from Japan Fluorite Corporation totaling $5.3 million. The initiative is strategically aligned with Australia’s Critical Minerals List, updated in December 2023, and has received Major Project Status from the government, emphasizing its importance in supplying materials for sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicle batteries, and other industrial applications. The financing strategy for the project is multifaceted, with conditional equity funding arranged through a term sheet with an Australian investor and potential further investments of up to A$60.3 million in tranches from Japan Fluorite Corporation. In addition, the project is exploring conditional debt finance via EFA and NAIF, with the latter committing to a rigorous due diligence review covering project, financial, technical, environmental, and social aspects before any formal financing is approved. Bullish sentiment stems from the notable progress across both debt and equity financing avenues, reflecting strong government support and robust international partnerships. This marks an encouraging sign for those focused on critical minerals and export markets, potentially driving future growth in related mining sectors. Conversely, cautious investors may view the conditional nature of the funding as a risk factor. The reliance on further due diligence, remaining formal approval steps, and market uncertainties inherent in forward-looking investment plans serve as reminders that while the project shows promise, several hurdles must yet be cleared before it reaches full development status.