What are critical minerals?
Geoscience Australia defines a critical mineral as a metallic or non-metallic element that has two characteristics:
- It is essential for the functioning of our modern technologies, economies or national security; and
- There is a risk that its supply chains could be disrupted.
Critical minerals are used to manufacture advanced technologies including mobile phones, computers, fibre-optic cables, semi-conductors, banknotes, and defence, aerospace and medical applications. Many are used in low-emission technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels, and rechargeable batteries. Some are also crucial for common products such as stainless steel and electronics.
Risks to critical mineral supply chains can come about when mineral production or processing is dominated by individual countries or companies that could limit availability. Other risks include market immaturity, political decisions, social unrest, natural disasters, mine accidents, geological scarcity, pandemics, and war.
A critical mineral is a metallic or non-metallic element that is essential for modern technologies, economies or national security, and has a supply chain at risk of disruption. Individual countries develop their own lists of critical minerals based on the relative importance of particular minerals to their industrial needs and strategic assessment of supply risks. In addition, assessments of mineral criticality reflect market and political conditions at a particular point in time and are subject to change.
As of February 2024 the Australian Government considers 31 resource commodities to be critical minerals. These have been selected by assessing Australia’s geological endowment and potential with global technology needs, particularly those of partner countries such as the United States, European Union, India, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom.
Comparative advantages
Tivan is building a company of strategic importance across Northern Australia.
In support of our mission, Tivan has established eight comparative advantages, each playing a pivotal role in our strategy and journey so far. These advantages are self-reinforcing and differentiated, positioning us for durable growth and long-term, sustainable success.
Tier 1 critical minerals resources
Through acquisition and discovery, Tivan holds a portfolio of world-class critical mineral resources that are in high demand as part of the energy transition and the secular adoption of artificial intelligence technologies. We are focused on developing a pipeline of resource development opportunities that are upstream of these macro thematics and where structural supply shortages exist in Asia.
Next-generation technologies
Innovation is central to Tivan’s ethos. By embracing cutting-edge technologies, we aim to set new standards in minerals exploration and sustainable development. Our strategic partnerships with EARTH AI and CSIRO exemplify our commitment to next-generation solutions, ensuring we remain at the forefront of industry advancements.
World-Class Team and Capabilities
Our team is our greatest asset—a talented and passionate group of individuals. Mission driven and grounded, we genuinely love what we do. Tivan prides itself on our hyper-productive team culture, based on principles of alignment, hard work and merit. Across various disciplines, we are dedicated to driving the company forward and to forging a unique success story across northern Australia.
Command of Critical Infrastructure
Access to key infrastructure, such as the Port of Wyndham, Darwin Port, Ord River Hydro and the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct, allows us to develop projects efficiently and competitively, and to minimise environmental impacts. By strategically positioning ourselves to leverage these assets, we are reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and ensuring long-term operational resilience.
Superior Access to Capital Markets
Tivan has established a strong track record of raising capital, even in challenging market conditions, from a diverse range of global institutional investors. Tivan has a strong retail following and a highly engaged investor community. We have earned a strong reputation for delivering value, communicating openly and consistently meeting our commitments on a timely basis.
Proximity to and Influence in Asia
Being strategically located close to key Asian markets provides Tivan with a durable competitive edge, enabling us to realise costs savings from efficient logistics and freight. Our influence in Asia supports offtake from our projects, working in collaboration with our joint venture partner, Sumitomo Corporation. Tivan is uniquely well placed to identify structural supply shortages in Asia and to service the resulting demand.
Strategic government relations
Tivan has strong relationships with all levels of government in Australia and various governments in Asia. Tivan’s flagship, the Speewah Fluorite Project, holds Major Project Status at the Federal level, and is the northernmost major project in Australia. Tivan regular informs the formation of government policy and is adept at navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Our standing assists in leveraging the bipartisan support of the critical minerals sector in Australia, in support of project development, whilst ensuring alignment with national and regional priorities.
Inclusive traditional owner relationships
Tivan places paramount importance of building meaningful, respectful relationships with Aboriginal Peoples. With our remote geographical footprint, Tivan is committed to developing innovative pathways that facilitate genuine inclusion and gainful participation of Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders across the full project lifecycle.
Tivan’s comparative advantages are foundational and will underpin our emergence as a global leader in the critical minerals sector. Tivan is building a company with the resilience, adaptability and strategic foresight to thrive in an increasingly dynamic global arena.
