Tivan’s Speewah fluorite project in Western Australia has been awarded ‘major project’ status by the Federal Government.
The ‘major project’ status recognises economically significant projects to Australia and enables strategically significant projects to obtain extra support and coordinated approvals. It also recognises the project’s alignment with the Federal Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy and National Battery Strategy.
The updated status, which took effect on November 29 and will last for three years, will allow Speewah will receive direct support from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency, which includes the coordination and facilitation of Federal Government approvals related to areas such as the environment, biosecurity and foreign investment.
“Tivan is delighted that the Speewah fluorite project has been awarded ‘major project’ status by the Australian Government,” Tivan executive chairman Grant Wilson said.
“Tivan now owns a project, one of few in the north, that has been recognised by the Australian Government as having economic and strategic significance to the nation. The designation will provide a sustained profile boost for Tivan, including in Asia.”
Wilson said the new status will raise awareness that fluorite is among the most critical of critical minerals.
Fluorite is used to produce commercial grade fluorspar products and fluorine. There is currently no domestic fluorspar or fluorine production in Australia, but Tivan is looking to become the first.
The Federal Government added fluorine to the critical minerals list in December 2023.
“It is great news for the Kimberley region as well, where the economic and social benefits of the project will flow to the local community and to the Traditional Owners of Speewah,” Wilson said.
“I am very proud that our incredible team at Tivan has achieved this distinction within one year.”
Tivan has also received $7.39 million from the International Partners in Critical Minerals program, which will support the company’s upcoming feasibility studies for Speewah.
The ‘major project status’ is currently held by 16 projects. Earlier this year, Chalice Mining’s Gonneville nickel-cobalt-copper-platinum group elements project was granted the status.
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