Ventnor Resources Ltd (ASX:VRX) has received results from initial test work at its Arrowsmith Silica Sands Project located 270 kilometres north of Perth, Western Australia.
Results confirm that processing to upgrade the sand to glassmaking quality will have a low-capital intensity, low technical risk and requires no processing chemicals.
Bruce Maluish, managing director, said: “This initial program demonstrates that the Arrowsmith sand can easily achieve glassmaking quality and potentially a much higher quality and valuable product using conventional sand processing techniques.
“Further testwork will be undertaken to determine final circuit design and products.”
Project is close to bulk-handling infrastructure
The Arrowsmith project consists of four exploration license applications covering 400 square kilometres.
The project is adjacent to Brand Highway and a rail connection to Geraldton Port, suitable for bulk handling.
Further testing to investigate higher value potential
Lab results from the December sampling program remain pending and are expected next month.
Further test work programs will be undertaken to investigate processing options to higher quality and higher value products.
Positively, the Arrowsmith area potentially has low environmental impact mining propositions.
Cars and energy-saving glass driving demand
Ventnor is aware of increasing demand for glass in Asia and the looming supply shortage.
Asian demand is increasing for energy efficient double glazing glass and for applications within the expanding automobile industry in China and India.
Furthermore, the demand for sand is increasing due to burgeoning concrete construction programs in Asia.
Supply deficits in Asia are driven by reducing access to coastal and river deposits, depletion of known deposits and restrictions due to environmental regulation.
It is worth noting that preliminary reconnaissance work on the Arrowsmith Project indicates substantial potential for sand resources suitable for both glass making and construction.