VRX Silica (ASX: VRX) today announced it has commenced a three-day drilling program at its 100%-owned Muchea silica sand project, located approximately 50km north of Perth, Western Australia.
A tractor-mounted vacuum drill rig will drill a minimum of 100 holes to produce a five-tonne sample to be used in an additional pilot plant metallurgical test work program.
The program will determine if selective mining and processing of the differentiated layers, identified in previous test work, can produce a higher-purity product, therefore significantly enhancing Muchea’s project economics.
VRX will also generate further samples for testing following overwhelming interest from potential offtake partners.
VRX managing director Bruce Maluish said:
“The outcome of this program has the potential to significantly improve Muchea’s robust financial metrics and will provide the additional bulk samples needed to advance discussions with interested buyers.
“The production of ultra-clear glass for the solar panel industry is experiencing phenomenal growth and, with it, demand for high-quality silica sand is soaring.
“VRX is receiving strong inbound interest in Muchea’s silica sand. The Company is in active discussions with potential offtake partners who realise that Muchea is one of only a handful of ultra-high purity silica sand projects suited for the manufacture of ultra-clear flat glass.”
