Pioneer Resources Ltd (ASX:PIO) has confirmed a market-significant volume of potassium feldspar directly above the Sinclair caesium deposit at its Pioneer Dome project in Western Australia.
Results were received from 19 diamond and 42 reverse circulation drill holes from the core zone of the Sinclair pegmatite.
The company is working towards opening the Sinclair mine as an open pit operation, with mining to commence during the current quarter subject to final approvals.
READ: Pioneer Resources gains approval for mining proposal at Sinclair caesium deposit
Potassium feldspar has been identified in surface mapping over a strike length of 450 metres and confirmed in drilling over 380 metres.
Pioneer has commenced a study expected to be complete by the end of August that could result in a mineral resource estimate.
The observed geology and assay distributions indicate there are likely to be several potassium feldspar products distinguishable by potassium, sodium, aluminium, alkaline elements and contaminant elements.
Pioneer has set an exploration target at the Sinclair pegmatite of 500,000-750,000 tonnes of potassium feldspar, targeting A-grade ceramic product specification with select key element grades.
The target is estimated to be between surface and a depth of 45 metres and includes geological information from 122 drill holes drilled on sections ranging between 10 and 40 metres spacing.
There were 61 of these holes that intersected significant potassium feldspar.
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The proposed economic model of the Sinclair mine is based solely on the sale of caesium, but the operation will also mine and store potassium feldspar, lithium minerals such as petalite and lepidolite, and quartz.
Commercial arrangements for the sale of each are advanced.
Pioneer entered into an offtake agreement in June with Cabot Specialty Fluids Ltd for the sale of 100% of caesium ore extracted from the Sinclair mine.
Potassium feldspar is used in the manufacture of ceramics and glassware, especially in glazes for tableware and floor tiles.
It is a key component of advanced, high-tolerance insulators and electro-ceramics.
High quality potassium feldspar ceramic products are designed to be hard, white and glossy or clear, a result achieved through very low acceptable levels of contaminant elements.