Tivan’s Stage Two drilling program at its Sandover Fluorite Project in the Northern Territory has returned a high-grade intersection of 3m at 74.3 per cent calcium fluoride (CaF2), with mineralisation remaining open along strike and at depth.
Tivan completed 58 reverse circulation (RC) holes for 5,884m across seven fluorite reefs during the Stage Two program.
Other significant intersections included 18m at 25.1 per cent CaF2 from 30m, including 7m at 54.9 per cent CaF2 from 36m, as well as 17m at 19.9 per cent CaF2 from 92m, including 6m at 45.9 per cent CaF2 from 93m.
Tivan executive chairman Grant Wilson said the results have strengthened the company’s confidence in the project.
“Since the start of Tivan our Board has been focused on the acquisition and development of long-duration assets that can support our corporate trajectory and the intrinsic value of our balance sheet,” Wilson said.
“Today illustrates the first, but not the last, example of those efforts. We acquired the Sandover Fluorite Project for a million dollars in November 2024, when there was no understanding of its significance.
“Through diligent efforts over the past two years, and our strong relationships in Central Australia, we have today demonstrated its world-class potential. Open at strike and at depth, Sandover now represents long-term security of supply of high-grade fluorite for our trusted partners in Japan.”
The drilling covered about 2.25km of outcropping mineralisation across three reefs and also identified fluorite stockwork mineralisation adjacent to the primary veins. The results have identified Reefs A, C and E as priority areas for further resource-focused drilling.
Tivan intends to develop an exploration target for the project while planning a Stage Three drilling program aimed at supporting a potential maiden Mineral Resource Estimate.
The company said Stage Two drilling had improved its understanding of the geometry, thickness and continuity of the fluorite veins, including areas where mineralisation remains open.
Tivan is also assessing the potential for the project to produce acid-grade fluorspar, which requires a CaF2 content of more than 97 per cent.
A preliminary review of deleterious elements from the drilling indicated low levels of arsenic and phosphorus, while almost no calcite was logged across Reefs A, B, C, D and E. Tivan said the findings support its previous assessment that acid-grade fluorspar could potentially be produced from the mineralisation.
Fluorine was added to Australia’s Critical Minerals List in December 2023. According to Tivan, there is currently no domestic fluorspar or fluorite production, with China, Mexico, South Africa and Mongolia among the largest global producers.
Original article online at: https://www.australianmining.com.au/tivan-uncovers-high-grade-fluorite-at-sandover/