- Diatreme Resources’ (DRX) Galalar Silica Project has received a boost with testing indicating the potential for further upgrades
- A recently completed scoping study confirmed Galalar’s potential to produce high purity, low iron silica product
- Results greater than 99 per cent silicon dioxide indicates the potential for further increase in value for the project
- Diatreme is steady today with shares trading for 1 cent apiece
Diatreme Resources’ (DRX) Galalar Silica Project has received a boost, with testing indicating the potential for further upgrades.
A recently completed scoping study confirmed Galalar’s potential to produce high purity, low iron silica product suitable for use as a direct feed material in the manufacture of solar panels.
Following feedback, and the silica’s natural amenability to upgrading, testing was conducted to determine the potential for the production of a higher grade, higher-value product through the use of a proprietary environmentally friendly, organic hot acid leach process.
Due to the high purity of the silica, it’s suitable for ultra-thin electronics such as computer and mobile phone screens.
Diatreme engaged Chinese company Qinfeng Mining (QMCL) to complete the processing test work and pickling process on samples from Galalar.
Based in the Jiangxi Province, QMCL is well connected with silica suppliers and specialist glass producers and has designed and installed silica product upgrade plans in a number of major glass manufacturing plants in China.
Following a review of the drill sample database, QMCL requested four samples of two kilograms each from three drill holes at varying depths within Galalar’s mineral resource area.
The samples were selected from different zones of the resource that have a suitable chemical analysis for upgrading using the pickling process.
The four silica sand samples were then analysed by an independent laboratory in Townsville.
Results of up to 99.89 per cent silicon dioxide, 0.04 per cent iron (III) oxide, 0.07 per cent titanium dioxide, and 0.16 per cent aluminium oxide were uncovered.
“These latest results have only further increased our confidence in Galalar’s ability to supply premium products to Asia’s fast-growing solar panel market and other speciality glass applications, amid rising demand for such products and China’s need for secure and reliable suppliers,” Diatreme CEO Neil McIntyre stated.
“Following these latest potential improvements, we look forward to advancing this project as quickly as possible,” he added.
Following the successful indications from this small-scale testing Diatreme will develop a greater understanding with the technology provider and determine what percentage within Galalar is suitable for further product upgrading.
The company will also enter additional discussions with China-based processing companies to examine a joint venture to fully unlock the potential of the project.
Diatreme is steady today with shares trading for 1 cent apiece in a $18.30 million market cap.