Diversified mineral developer Industrial Minerals (ASX:IND) has returned ‘exceptional’ high purity silica sand (HPSS) results at its recently granted Albany HPSS Project in Western Australia.
The $26 million market capitalisation company says results follow an initial sampling program within 470km-square of recently added exploration licences at the project.
Industrial reports results demonstrate low levels of iron oxide within in-situ auger samples, providing encouragement that potential premium PV Glass Silica Sand specification can be achieved.
The company will finalise land agreements with landowners ahead of a systematic auger drilling program designed to assess the potential scale of HPSS mineralisation.
It will also seek to complete metallurgical testwork on an identified sand deposit, including particle size and grade distribution, as well as progress discussions with the Port of Albany regarding port access options.
Speaking on the results, Industrial Minerals Managing Director Jeff Sweet says: “Industrial Mining has moved swiftly to engage with local landowners and stakeholders within the Albany HPSS Project area, resulting in rapid access to collect samples for initial silica sand testwork and assessment.
The initial test results are encouraging, with raw samples returning iron oxide levels as low as 180 parts per million (ppm) Fe2O3. We believe that with limited beneficiation on site, there is potential to achieve a premium grade product suitable for supplying directly into the PV Glass market. The proximity to the Port of Albany is another huge advantage, with the potential to limit associated transport costs, further enhancing the economics of the project.”
“We believe that with limited beneficiation on site, there is potential to achieve a premium grade product suitable for supplying directly into the PV Glass market“
Industrial Minerals is focused on exploring and developing its ‘highly prospective’ Australian high purity silica sands and complementary industrial mineral projects.
The company’s Albany project is located near the Port of Albany in Western Australia.
Industrial Minerals had $1.2 million cash at hand as of 30 June 2023, according to its latest quarterly report.
Write to Adam Drought at Mining.com.au
Images: Industrial Minerals
