- Kaolin and silica sand explorer Suvo Strategic Minerals (SUV) has begun a resource definition drilling program at its Nova Silica Sands Project in WA
- A total of 1620 metres, for 54 holes, will be drilled to define a maiden mineral resource of high-grade silica sand
- Once drilling has been completed, Suvo will send bulk samples of silica for metallurgical test work
- These results will then define specifications, grade and quality for end users
- Company shares are down 1 per cent and trading for 9.7 cents
Suvo Strategic Minerals (SUV) has begun a resource definition drilling program at its Nova Silica Sands Project in Western Australia.
Drilling will include up to 1,620 metres over 54 holes at a maximum depth of 30 metres. The program is aimed at defining a JORC-compliant maiden mineral resource of high-grade silica sand.
The Nova Silica Sands Project is located in the Gin Gin scarp, near Eneabba. Suvo also has existing infrastructure directly from the project to the Geraldton Port.
In September, the kaolin and silica sand explorer was granted two more tenements at the project. Combined together, these tenements cover 79 square kilometres and includes 29 blocks.
When the tenements were granted, Suvo posted its intention to submit a program of works (PoW) to begin the drilling program which has now commenced.
During this time, Suvo said it had been granted a PoW from the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DIMIRS) for exploration to explore an already-owned tenement.
“We are excited to begin work on delivering our maiden Inferred JORC resource at Nova. We take a lot of confidence from previous test work we conducted in the area and we are looking forward analysing these results,” Executive Director Aaron Banks said.
Once the drilling program has been completed, Suvo will send bulk samples of silica for metallurgical test work. These results will define end-user specifications, grade and quality.
The company expects assay results and a resource estimate will be finalised before the end of the year.
While the company’s White Knight Kaolin Project has been a focus lately, Suvo is looking forward to unlocking Nova’s potential as a key player in the silica sand market.
The silica sand market is estimated to be worth US$8 billion (roughly A$11.3 billion). High-grade silica can be used for various industries including glass, metal, ceramics, concrete, filtration and chemical production.
“Our team is looking forward to unlocking shareholder value in what potentially is a very significant project for WA,” Aaron concluded.
Company shares are down 1 per cent and trading for 9.7 cents at 2:19 pm AEDT.