Tivan Ltd has acquired the Molyhil Tungsten–Molybdenum Project in Central Australia for $8.75 million, a move that enhances the region’s potential in critical minerals development. The project is situated 220 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs and is adjacent to Tivan’s existing Sandover Fluorite Project.
The announcement, made on September 17, 2025, signifies a strategic expansion for Tivan, which also raised $15 million through a share placement to finance the Molyhil Project and develop a critical minerals precinct in the area. This share placement received substantial backing, including an investment of $8.3 million from ETFS Capital Limited, the family office of renowned investors Graham Tuckwell, AO, and Louise Tuckwell, AO.
Government Support and Industry Confidence
The Hon. Gerard Maley, Minister for Mining and Energy in the Northern Territory, expressed strong support for the acquisition, stating that it underscores Tivan’s confidence in the region’s resource potential. “This acquisition highlights Tivan’s confidence in the Northern Territory and its world-class resource potential,” Minister Maley noted. He emphasized that the funding secured for the Central Australian critical minerals precinct reflects investor confidence and the opportunities created by the government’s proactive development strategy.
The proximity of the Molyhil and Sandover projects marks a significant step toward establishing a critical minerals precinct, allowing Tivan to leverage shared infrastructure. This collaboration is expected to generate lasting economic benefits for local communities in the Northern Territory.
Tivan, headquartered in Darwin, has already established itself as a key player in the critical minerals sector, operating the nearby Sandover Fluorite Project and participating in the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct. The company also received $100,000 from the Northern Territory Government’s Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations program for the Sandover Fluorite Drilling Project, alongside an additional $50,000 for advancing critical minerals initiatives.
Significance of Tungsten and Molybdenum
Tungsten and molybdenum are categorized as critical minerals by both the Commonwealth and the Northern Territory, playing vital roles in industries such as semiconductors, defense, aerospace, and energy transition technologies. Currently, global supply is largely dominated by China, which has imposed export restrictions on these minerals. This situation highlights the urgency of building secure and sovereign supply chains for Australia.
Minister Maley congratulated Tivan on its significant acquisition, emphasizing its commitment to unlocking the Northern Territory’s critical minerals potential. He expressed anticipation for visiting the Sandover and Molyhil projects, underscoring the region’s role in strengthening Australia’s supply of essential minerals for future industries.
Tivan Executive Chairman Grant Wilson conveyed the company’s determination to expedite development at the Molyhil Project. “Tivan is the natural owner of the Molyhil Project, and we have the capability and determination to bring it into production quickly,” he stated. Wilson noted the project’s importance amid China’s export restrictions and the growing demand for reliable critical minerals supply chains. He also mentioned that the site has been previously disturbed, which will help minimize environmental impact during the development process.
With optimistic projections regarding commodity prices, Tivan anticipates that the early years of mining at Molyhil will be highly profitable. This success will enable the company to drive the establishment of a significant critical minerals precinct in Central Australia.
The Northern Territory Government’s latest overview, titled “Critical Minerals in the Northern Territory 2025,” provides further insights into the opportunities available in this vital sector. For more information, the report can be accessed online.
