Tivan Limited (ASX: TVN) announced on 15 Apr 2026 that it has agreed to extend its Memorandum of Understanding with Sumitomo Corporation. The extension covers the Molyhil Tungsten Project, located approximately 220km north-east of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. The MoU term has been extended from 15 Apr 2026 to 30 Jun 2026.
The Tivan Sumitomo partnership has advanced well beyond a preliminary agreement. Both parties have progressed discussions on a potential joint venture structure covering exploration, development, funding, construction, marketing, and operation of the Project. Early-stage marketing has also commenced, with senior Tivan representatives travelling to Japan to meet potential end-use customers.
Figure 1: Tivan Limited official company logo [Courtesy: Wikipedia]
The MoU Extension That Keeps the Tivan Sumitomo Partnership on Track
The Tivan Sumitomo partnership was first formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, disclosed by Tivan in the ASX announcement of 3 Nov 2025. The extension to 30 Jun 2026 is a deliberate and practical step. It allows Tivan to finalise a Scoping Study for the Molyhil Tungsten Project before 30 Apr 2026, ensuring both parties have full technical grounding before advancing to binding terms.
Tivan has agreed to provide product samples from the Project to potential customers identified during the Japan visits. Product sample delivery is being targeted for Q3 2026. This marks an important commercial step in establishing the Project’s market relevance ahead of a final investment decision.
Tivan Executive Chairman Signals Confidence in Molyhil’s Trajectory
Mr Grant Wilson, Executive Chairman of Tivan, commented on the significance of the MoU extension and the progress made on structuring a multi-party joint venture:
“Tivan has made material progress in structuring a multi-party joint venture agreement that will provide the foundations for a high-value critical minerals precinct in central Australia for decades ahead. As a matter of good practice, we have elected to publish the Scoping Study for Molyhil Tungsten Project before we take next steps, and we extend thanks to Sumitomo Corporation for this accommodation.”
Figure 2: Grant Wilson, Executive Chairman of Tivan Limited [Courtesy: Tivan Limited]
Mr Wilson further stated: “We are confident that Molyhil will be amongst the fastest new tungsten projects to market on a global basis, as well as a staging ground for the development of the Sandover Fluorite Project.”
A Key Terms MoU Is the Next Milestone Towards Binding Joint Venture Agreements
Tivan’s preferred model for the Molyhil Tungsten Project is development via joint venture. This approach mirrors the pathway pursued for the Speewah Fluorite Project. The Board has outlined that a Key Terms Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be agreed prior to 30 Jun 2026, which will anchor the finalisation of long-form, binding joint venture agreements.
Tivan has also advanced preliminary discussions with third parties on joining the Key Terms MoU as additional joint venture partners, with Sumitomo Corporation’s consent. These discussions remain at an early stage. Tivan will update the market when a material agreement warrants disclosure under ASX Listing Rule 3.1.
Molyhil Tungsten Project: A Significant Resource Base in Central Australia
- Tivan acquired 100% of the Molyhil Tungsten Project in September 2025, with the acquisition finalised in January 2026.
- The project hosts a JORC (2012) Mineral Resource of 4.647 million tonnes.
- Resource grades include 0.26% WO₃ (tungsten trioxide) and 0.09% Mo (molybdenum).
- This equates to approximately 12,100 tonnes of WO₃ and 4,400 tonnes of molybdenum at a 0.05% WO₃ cut-off grade.
- Tivan’s geology team has mobilised to the site to begin drilling high-priority tungsten targets.
- These targets were identified through a ground gravity survey completed in late 2023.
- Additional geophysical surveys are currently underway to support further exploration targeting.
Figure 3: Map showing the location of the Molyhil Tungsten Project in the Northern Territory [Courtesy: Tivan Limited]
Tivan Advances Regulatory and Community Facilitation in the Northern Territory
Tivan’s team in Darwin is actively progressing project facilitation requirements with the Northern Territory Government. Engagement is also underway with the Central Land Council, which represents Traditional Owners and Native Title Holders in the region. These parallel workstreams are critical to reaching a final investment decision, which Tivan is targeting for 2027.
The Molyhil Tungsten Project is adjacent to Tivan’s Sandover Fluorite Project. Tivan views Molyhil as a staging ground for the broader development of the Sandover Project, adding further strategic depth to its critical minerals portfolio in central Australia.
TVN ASX Share Price
Tivan Limited (ASX: TVN) is currently trading at A$0.375 per share, with a market capitalisation of A$816.42 million. The 52-week range stands at A$0.084 to A$0.485 per share.
Figure 4: Tivan Limited (ASX: TVN) share price performance over one year [Courtesy: ASX]
Industry Outlook
Tungsten is classified as a critical mineral by Australia, the United States, and the European Union, owing to its irreplaceable role in defence, cutting tools, and advanced manufacturing. Global tungsten supply remains heavily concentrated, with China accounting for the vast majority of production.
This concentration is driving sustained interest from Western industrial nations and major trading companies in securing a diversified, reliable supply. The Tivan investment opportunity is well-positioned within this structural demand backdrop, as projects in stable, sovereign-friendly jurisdictions attract increasing attention.
Future Direction and Impact on TVN Investors
The MoU extension and ongoing Tivan Sumitomo partnership developments carry several implications for investors monitoring the Tivan share price outlook and the broader Tivan investment opportunity:
- Scoping Study expected to be completed before 30 Apr 2026, providing a foundational technical document for joint venture negotiations
- A Key Terms MoU with Sumitomo Corporation and potential additional partners is targeted before 30 Jun 2026
- Product samples from Molyhil are to be delivered to Japanese end-use customers, with Q3 2026 as the target timeframe
- New drilling has commenced at Molyhil to expand the existing resource base, which currently stands at 4.647 million tonnes
- A final investment decision is being targeted for 2027, with regulatory and community facilitation already underway
- The Tivan share price outlook will remain closely tied to Scoping Study results, joint venture progression, and exploration updates
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Tivan Sumitomo partnership about?
Ans. Tivan and Sumitomo Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore a potential joint venture for the Molyhil Tungsten Project.
Q2. Why has the MoU been extended?
Ans. The extension to 30 Jun 2026 allows Tivan to finalise its Scoping Study for the Molyhil Tungsten Project before 30 Apr 2026, ensuring a sound technical basis for joint venture negotiations.
Q3. What is the Tivan share price outlook?
Ans. Tivan Limited (ASX: TVN) is currently trading at A$0.375 per share within a 52-week range of A$0.084 to A$0.485 per share.
Q4. Where is the Molyhil Tungsten Project located?
Ans. The Project is located approximately 220km north-east of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, adjacent to Tivan’s Sandover Fluorite Project.
Q5. What is the Tivan investment opportunity for long-term investors?
Ans. The Molyhil Tungsten Project offers exposure to a critical mineral in short global supply. A potential joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation, combined with active exploration and a 2027 final investment decision target, underpins the Tivan investment opportunity.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. All content is based on Tivan Limited’s ASX announcement released on 15 Apr 2026 and supplementary publicly available sources. Share price and market capitalisation data reflect figures provided at the time of publication. Investing in securities involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Readers should conduct their own research and seek independent financial advice before making any investment decisions. Colitco does not hold any position in the companies or organisations mentioned.
Sources
https://www.asx.com.au/markets/company/TVN
https://www.tivan.com.au/investors/announcements/
Last modified: April 15, 2026
