From Rocks to Renewables: Japan Backs Australia’s Fluorite Push

Tivan, Sumitomo, and JOGMEC form a 2025 joint venture to develop Australia’s fluorite resources for future clean energy use

7 Oct 2025

Australia and Japan have strengthened cooperation on critical minerals with the formation of a new joint venture to develop fluorite resources in Western Australia.

Tivan, a Perth-based developer, said on July 21 that it had signed an agreement with Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation and the government agency Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) to establish Japan Fluorite Corporation. The partnership will focus on the Speewah project, aimed at exploring and later developing fluorite deposits that could support advanced energy and battery related industries.

The venture aligns with Japan’s wider strategy to diversify its sources of critical minerals and reduce reliance on China for materials used in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. For Australia, the deal offers a chance to expand beyond raw mineral exports into higher value processing.

Although still in feasibility stages, the project could help strengthen regional supply chain resilience. Fluorite itself is not a battery metal, but it is used to produce hydrofluoric acid, a key input in lithium ion battery and semiconductor manufacturing. The partners will assess options to process and refine the mineral locally, potentially boosting transparency and sustainability in Asia Pacific production chains.

Canberra has backed the initiative by transferring a federal grant under the Industry Program for Critical Minerals to fund early stage feasibility and environmental work. JOGMEC’s participation is expected to bring both technical expertise and financial support.

Analysts say the collaboration reflects a growing pattern of Japan and Australia partnerships in the critical minerals sector, combining Japanese investment discipline with Australia’s resource capacity. Similar ventures are being explored for minerals such as vanadium and nickel.

If the Speewah project proceeds to development, it could become a model for bilateral efforts to build cleaner and more secure energy supply networks. For now, the joint venture signals a measured step in both nations’ bid to underpin the global transition to low carbon technologies.