Perpetual Resources Ltd (ASX:PEC) is preparing samples from its Beharra Silica Sands Project in Western Australia for bulk metallurgic test-work, targeting multiple zones within the white sand horizon of the project.
Perpetual intends to delineate a very high grade and low impurity zone within the Beharra White sand sequence which was interpreted by desktop analysis of recent drill results.
The sampling program is due to wrap up by the end of this week in preparation for delivery to IHC Mining for testing, with test results expected in the June quarter.
Confirmation of a low-impurity, high grade horizon may potentially position Perpetual as a leading novel supply source within the fastest growing low-impurity Asian silica sand markets.
Silica sand market
Silica sands have an extensive range of uses, with lower purity and lower-priced applications including construction sand, proppant sand used in well fracturing, and foundry sand.
With increasing purity and price, uses include glass making, especially ultra-clear glass, with a main determinant of the sand’s suitability for specific applications and pricing being the level of the key impurity iron oxide (Fe2O3).
Significant expansion of solar photovoltaic (PV) cell manufacturing capacity globally is driving demand for silica sand with Fe2O3 content of under 200 parts per million and lower, which is a key focus market for Perpetual’s Beharra project.
Perpetual is specifically targeting the high-growth Asia Pacific silica sand markets, where independent market assessments have calculated a 40-million-tonnes per annum incremental market growth opportunity through to 2026.
About Perpetual Resources
Perpetual Resources is focused on the global glass and foundry sand industries, which are the two largest and fastest-growing users of silica sand.
The company’s flagship asset, the Beharra Project in Western Australia, covers about 49 square kilometres and hosts predominantly high purity white (pale) sands with few impurities.
Perpetual has another exploration licence which covers 35.34 square kilometres and is bounded on the eastern extent by the Brand Highway and Geraldton Railway.