- 01Site works approved; maiden drilling targeted for November.
- 02Up to 6 holes, 1,500m, pending environmental licence.
- 03Samples hit 6.87% Cu and 24.7g/t Au.
Tivan Limited (ASX: TVN) has gained approval to start preparatory civil works at its Scorpion prospect in Timor-Leste as it targets maiden drilling in early November.
Local contractors are beginning land clearance for access tracks and drill pads at the Baucau project, following authorisation from the country’s National Mineral Authority.
The planned campaign comprises up to six diamond drill holes totalling as much as 1,500 metres across a 2.3-square-kilometre area.
The maiden holes are designed to establish subsurface geological information that will help the explorer refine and rank its subsequent drilling targets at Scorpion.
Drilling remains conditional on an environmental licence, with Tivan having submitted the necessary environmental assessment and management plan to the regulator.
Preparing for First Holes
The approval covers access-road clearance and drill-pad preparation, allowing work on the ground while the final drilling permit is assessed.
Scorpion had previously been given a Category B environmental classification, enabling planning to advance before the latest clearance for civil works.
Tivan has lodged a Simplified Environmental Impact Statement and Environmental Management Plan to support the licence application, which must be approved before drilling starts.
A man-portable rig sourced from PT Indodrill Indonesia is expected to clear customs early this week, with the drill crew already in Dili.
The crew is due to travel with the rig to Tivan’s Casa Tivan base in Baucau later this week, ahead of a program expected to run for six to seven weeks.
Copper and Gold Targets
Surface sampling previously delineated a polymetallic anomaly extending approximately 1,000m by 800m, returning grades of up to 6.87% copper and 24.70 grams per tonne gold.
The Baucau project, which lies about 123 kilometres east of Timor-Leste capital Dili, includes three granted exploration and evaluation licences near the company’s Ro-Ulo exploration compound.
Tivan has added two major areas to the project in recent months as it pursues copper and gold targets across several prospects, and its regional exploration is assessing potential porphyry and volcanogenic massive sulphide mineralisation in an area with limited historical exploration.
“Our big push to deliver a maiden drill program in Timor-Leste before year end is on track,” executive chair Grant Wilson said.
“Much credit is due to our local team, who have worked frenetically over recent months to bring all the moving pieces together.”
Deep Local Engagement
Preparations follow six months of engagement with the Ossoala community, including cultural ceremonies through which local leaders and elders welcomed the planned campaign.
Approximately 40 people from surrounding villages are expected to support drilling through roles spanning drill assistance, construction, catering, camp services, and community relations.
Workers have completed inductions and will receive task-specific training and supervision, while a nearby camp will use local contractors and supplies and provide income to landowners.
Tivan will manage geological processing and operations from Casa Tivan and continue supporting healthcare outreach, with Timorese clinicians also expected to provide on-site first aid and training.
“We are looking forward to providing meaningful opportunities for locals to participate in supporting the drill program in the months ahead,” Mr Wilson added.
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