Tivan Limited Finalizes Speewah Fluorite Joint Venture with Sumitomo and JOGMEC, Securing $5.3M for Feasibility Study and Global Export Readiness
Monday, July 21, 2025
at
9:09 am
Tivan Limited and Sumitomo Corporation have launched a joint venture for the Speewah Fluorite Project in Western Australia. Backed by Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, a $5.3m investment funds a feasibility study to produce high-grade fluorspar for global export markets.
Tivan Limited announced that it has completed all required conditions to establish its incorporated joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation for the development of the Speewah Fluorite Project in Western Australia. Following the fulfillment of prerequisites, Japan Fluorite Corporation—a special purpose subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation—has contributed an initial equity investment of US$5.3 million for a 7.5% stake in the joint venture. This funding is earmarked for the Feasibility Study, which will determine the technical and economic viability of mining and processing acidgrade fluorspar (>97% CaF2) for export to global markets.
Key conditions that enabled the investment included obtaining approval from the Australian Government’s Foreign Investment Review Board, securing the necessary government grant novation under the International Partnerships in Critical Minerals Program, and successfully completing a project restructure that transferred mining tenements to Fluorite SPV Pty Ltd. These steps mark significant technical and regulatory milestones as the project moves closer to a Final Investment Decision.
A notable aspect of the announcement is the strategic entry of Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC), which has acquired a 49% equity interest in Japan Fluorite Corporation. This development not only reinforces the international collaboration between Australia and Japan but also reflects stringent due diligence and technical evaluations carried out over the past several months. The involvement of such respected Japanese institutions is expected to enhance project credibility, particularly within the global critical minerals market.
In terms of market sentiment, bullish factors include the robust backing by major international and governmental partners, a clear pathway to a Final Investment Decision, and the secured funding framework through both public and private contributors. These elements signal growing confidence in the project’s viability and the potential for a stable, long-term revenue stream from acidgrade fluorspar exports. On the other hand, bearish considerations may arise from the inherent risks associated with early-stage mineral project developments, such as reliance on further government approvals, potential delays in the feasibility study, and market volatility within the global mining sector.
Tivan Limited’s leadership expressed satisfaction with the collaborative efforts that have brought this joint venture to fruition, highlighting the model of risk-sharing between private investors and governmental bodies as an optimal approach for developing the project. The partnership is seen as a strategic move that not only leverages technical expertise and international market access but also strengthens bilateral ties between Australia and Japan in securing critical mineral resources.