Perpetual Resources Ltd (ASX:PEC) has achieved a material reduction in the impurity profile of the Beharra White Sand Project in Western Australia, with bulk metallurgical test work on the white sand sub domain of the tenure.
The test work found that the Upper and Lower White geological units at Beharra contain the same or higher silica content with a significantly lower iron impurity profile when compared to pre-feasibility study (PFS) test results.
Confirmed reduction in Fe2O3 (iron oxide) from coarse fraction of Upper and Lower White sub domains only (PFS numbers in blue).
Perpetual says these results – given the extent of representative bulk metallurgical test-work undertaken – position Beharra as the pre-eminent silica sand project in the mid-west region of Western Australia.
Targeting the high-growth glass markets of Asia
“These metallurgical test results announced today are the conclusion of a large program of work that provides significant certainty to both Perpetual and potential offtake partners regarding the current understanding of the low-iron attributes of the Beharra project,” Perpetual Resources executive chair Julian Babarczy said.
“To maintain such high levels of silica content and to confirm such significant reductions in iron content positions Beharra to service the high growth glass markets of Asia.
“The extent of representative bulk metallurgical test work confirms Beharra as a project capable of delivering large tonnage of low impurity sand for what we expect to be a very long mine life.
“Efforts to further reduce the iron impurity levels remain ongoing and we are currently undertaking end product trade off analysis to ensure our targeted end product streams include the potential for sales into other higher value niche segments of the Asian silica sand markets, possibly enhancing project economics.
“Offtake discussions will be significantly aided by the depth of test work undertaken at Beharra with ongoing inbound interest being received.”