Australian Silica Quartz Group (ASX:ASQ) has received preliminary kaolin beneficiation results from testwork completed in China using an 800kg bulk sample from its White Swan Kaolin Project near Esperance, Western Australia.
Initial mineralogical analysis of the raw sample indicates approximately 47% kaolinite and 50% quartz.
Dry separation testwork upgraded kaolinite content from approximately 47–83% following a single processing stage using a combination cyclone mill and classifier.
Preliminary ceramic firing tests produced discs with a fired brightness of 85.3% at 1,200°C. The company says these results are encouraging, given they were achieved on a raw, minimally processed sample.
CEO Sam Middlemas says the results are expected to appeal to potential international customers as the company progresses towards offtake agreements.
“These results are highly encouraging and are expected to have appeal to potential international customers as the company takes the next steps towards securing offtake agreements,” Middlemas adds.
Test program advances commercial discussions
The bulk sample came from test pit GKTP013 in May at depths of 3.4–5m.
Chinese consultants noted the relatively high kaolinite content in the raw material suggests ‘favourable recovery characteristics’ compared with most other Australian kaolin deposits, typically ranging 30–40%.
Dry beneficiation processing of approximately 100kg of White Swan kaolin through a grinding and classification circuit produced approximately 50kg of fine kaolin concentrate and 50kg of quartz-rich sand.
The company attended the Guangzhou International Ceramic Industry Exhibition, where it discussed opportunities with ceramic manufacturers, kaolin processors, equipment suppliers, and potential offtake partners.
White Swan hosts a Kaolin Inferred Mineral Resource of 47 million tonnes, reported at a 25% aluminium oxide (Al2O3) cut-off. The resource is shallow and free-dig, sitting close to surface beneath a thin cover of sand, gravel, and minor clay.
Australian Silica Quartz Group is a Perth-based explorer advancing a portfolio of ‘high-grade’ silica sand, hard rock quartz, and bauxite projects across Western Australia.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Australian Silica Quartz Group
