Ventnor Resources Ltd’s (ASX:VRX) initial due diligence confirms that the Muchea project in Western Australia has potential to host a large silica sand resource.
The work, including aircore and hand auger drilling, supports the company’s decision to secure an option to acquire the tenement from Australian Silica Pty Ltd.
Due diligence results have demonstrated high grades of silica sand at the project 50 kilometres north of Perth.
READ: Ventnor Resources sets sight on high-grade silica sand project in Western Australia
Managing director Bruce Maluish said: “As part of our due diligence, we have commenced a comprehensive test work program.”
This work will ascertain what products can be produced and marketed from the project and will also support preparation of a JORC-2012 compliant mineral resource.
Samples for prospective customers
Test work “will also produce sufficient quantities of products to enable samples to be sent to prospective customers”.
“The company has already received a number of enquiries from potential Asian customers,” Maluish said.
Ventnor’s initial due diligence comprised the sampling of the site, drilling of 46 aircore holes and 43 hand auger holes to obtain near-surface samples.
This covered an area of more than 3,400 hectares and the average intercept grade was 99.5% silicon dioxide.
Exploration targets developed
Based on the results, Ventnor has developed an exploration target of 70 million to 125 million tonnes of silica sand at a grade in excess of 99.5% for the aircore drill area.
Within the auger drill area, the exploration target is 100 million to 150 million tonnes of silica sand at the same grade, which is a critical grade for glassmaking quality sand.
A schematic section of the silica sand exploration target.
The managing director said: “As part of its due diligence the company undertook an environmental desktop study.
“This will also support a referral to the relevant environmental authorities prior to field studies for a mining proposal.”
Option to acquire tenement
In March, Ventnor secured from Australian Silica an option to acquire the exploration tenement in the Muchea area.
The project is strategically located adjacent to the Brand Highway and a rail connection to Kwinana port for bulk handling.
READ: Ventnor Resources testing reveals high-value sand
Silica sand has supported human progress throughout history as it has been a key raw material in industrial development, especially in the glass, metal casting and ceramics industries.
Globally, silica sand is a strong growth mineral due to the demand by the construction sector, wherein its use in the manufacture of flat glass for windows is constant.
Greater growth is being felt in the Asian market, particularly China where there is a massive glass manufacturing expansion.
Ventnor intends to take advantage of this environment with the Muchea project and its existing Arrowsmith Silica Sand Project.