Silica sands developer and explorer Diatreme Resources Ltd (ASX:DRX) has progressed resource expansion efforts at its Northern Silica project (NSP) in far-north Queensland.
Positive results from infill and step out drilling at the silica deposit in 2022 confirmed the continuity and quality of silica sand in the dune system.
Assays included 40 metres at 99.13% silica; 47 metres at 99.26%; and 50 metres at 99.18%.
Recent and pending results in the Point Lookout Track area will build on previous exploration efforts to enable a north-west extension of the silica resource in coming months.
The results have improved the company’s confidence in the NSP, raising the prospect of a significant upgrade to the mineral resource including quantum and confidence.
Diatreme is currently conducting a detailed scoping study, including economics and logistics of the silica dune system, which is due in late quarter one of 2023.
Engagement with Traditional Owners and other members of the local community has continued to be at the forefront of Diatreme’s exploration campaigns, with the Diatreme working closely with Native Title representatives to ensure maximum community benefits while minimising environmental impacts.
Diatreme’s chief executive officer Neil McIntyre said: “The significant additional drilling and apparent extension to the silica dune evaluation is a great result, delivered for a second year in a row by the Northern Silica project development team.
“The team has worked closely with Native Title representatives, providing mentoring and training to field teams, to ensure long-term benefits to the local community, as per our commitment to Traditional Owners.
“The drilling results have improved confidence in the NSP, boosting the potential for a mineral resource upgrade in the new year.
“Diatreme is now progressing a scoping study focused on the results from the silica dune system, which is expected to be delivered in late Q1 2023.
“These are exciting times for Diatreme as we work to unlock this valuable, high-grade silica resource for the fast-growing solar PV industry, contributing to the world’s decarbonisation drive while delivering genuine, long lasting economic benefits to the FNQ community.”
