Central Australia’s critical mineral potential strengthened by Tivan’s Molyhil acquisition

17 September 2025

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has welcomed Tivan Ltd’s strategic acquisition of the Molyhil Tungsten–Molybdenum Project in Central Australia, reinforcing the Territory’s position as a key jurisdiction for critical minerals development.

Tivan has announced the 100% acquisition of the Molyhil Tungsten–Molybdenum Project, located 220 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs and adjacent to Tivan’s Sandover Fluorite Project, for $8.75 million.

Tivan has also raised $15 million through a share placement to help fund the Molyhil Project and develop a Central Australian critical minerals precinct.

The share placement was underpinned by an $8.3 million investment from ETFS Capital Limited (ETFSC). ETFSC is the family office of Graham Tuckwell, AO and Louise Tuckwell, AO, renowned for inventing gold ETFs and founders of the Tuckwell Scholarship at the Australian National University.

Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the CLP Government’s year of action, certainty, and security is driving momentum across the critical minerals sector.

“This acquisition highlights Tivan’s confidence in the Northern Territory and its world-class resource potential,” said Minister Maley.

“Securing $15 million to fund the development of a Central Australian critical minerals precinct is a strong demonstration of investor backing and the opportunities being created under the CLP Government’s clear, consistent and pro-development approach.”

“The co-location of the Molyhil and Sandover projects represents the first step in establishing a critical minerals precinct in Central Australia, with opportunities to leverage shared infrastructure and unlock lasting economic benefits for Territorians.”

Headquartered in Darwin, Tivan is an established critical minerals player in the Territory, already operating the nearby Sandover Fluorite Project and serving as one of the cornerstone proponents of the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct.

Tivan was also a successful recipient of Round 18 of the Northern Territory Government’s Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations program, receiving $100,000 for the Sandover Fluorite Drilling Project and $50,000 for the Sandover Fluorite – Advancing Critical Minerals Project.

In July, Tivan and Sumitomo, a leading Japanese trading house and Fortune Global 500 company, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the collaborative development, financing, and operation of the Sandover Fluorite Project.

Tungsten and molybdenum are both listed as critical minerals by the Commonwealth and the Northern Territory, with important applications across semiconductor, defence, aerospace, and energy transition technologies.

Global supply is currently dominated by China, which has placed both minerals under export restrictions, further highlighting the importance of secure and sovereign Australian supply chains.

“I congratulate Tivan on this significant acquisition and its continued commitment to unlocking the Territory’s enormous critical minerals potential,” said Minister Maley.

“I look forward to visiting Tivan’s Sandover and Molyhil projects and seeing Central Australia play a leading role in strengthening Australia’s supply of the critical minerals that will drive our future industries.”

Tivan Executive Chairman Grant Wilson said the company is committed to fast-tracking development at Molyhil and building a critical minerals precinct in Central Australia.

“Tivan is the natural owner of the Molyhil Project, and we have the capability and determination to bring it into production quickly,” Mr Wilson said.

“The project’s importance is clear given China’s export restrictions and the growing demand for secure critical minerals supply chains. Molyhil will also serve as a staging ground for Tivan in Central Australia. As the site has been previously disturbed, our footprint will be materially reduced, helping to lower our impact and support environmental approvals.”

“At current commodity prices, the early years of mining would be highly profitable, enabling Tivan to drive the development of an iconic critical minerals precinct in Central Australia.”

The Northern Territory Government’s latest overview of critical minerals opportunities, Critical Minerals in the Northern Territory 2025, is available via https://geoscience.nt.gov.au/gemis/ntgsjspui/handle/1/93531.

Media contact: Kyrrie Blenkinsop - 0461 385 914