Diatreme Resources (ASX:DRX) reports a maiden mineral resource estimate (MRE) of 102.7 million tonnes (Mt) at its Casuarina Resource Area in Far North Queensland.
The estimate comprises 61.3Mt in the indicated category @ 99.03% silica dioxide and 41.4Mt inferred @ 99.06% silica dioxide, bringing Diatreme’s total silica sand resource base to 632.8Mt across all project areas..
The resource area sits within the Cape Bedford-Cape Flattery Dune Field, immediately adjacent to the Port of Cape Flattery.
CEO Neil McIntyre says the maiden MRE is a “significant milestone” for the company, adding “substantial new high-purity silica sand resources” to its portfolio.
“With mineralisation contiguous with the established Cape Flattery Silica Mine and a location immediately adjacent to existing port infrastructure, Casuarina is exceptionally well placed,” McIntyre says.
“We see clear scope to grow and upgrade the resource as we advance the next phase of drilling and technical studies, and we look forward to keeping the market updated as that work progresses.”
The MRE was defined by 66 vertically-drilled holes, with sampling conducted via aircore drilling and hand augering.
Current metallurgical testwork completed confirms that the resource responds readily to conventional washing and screening, producing low-iron, high-purity silica sand suitable for photovoltaic glass applications.
Diatreme says results also indicate favourable mining geometries, supporting a potentially long-life, low-strip operation.
It adds that the maiden MRE will form the geological basis for ongoing and future technical studies at Casuarina, which will be advanced as a distinct project, separate to Diatreme’s flagship Northern Silica Project.
Diatreme intends to progress technical studies across mining, processing, infrastructure, and economic workstreams to evaluate low-capital-intensity development pathways.
It is also planning further metallurgical testwork, as well as future infill and extensional drilling programs, to further grow the resource.
Diatreme Resources is an emerging critical minerals and silica sand producer with projects in Far North Queensland and Western Australia.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Images: Diatreme Resources
