Diatreme Resources Ltd (ASX:DRX) has made progress in its efforts to expand resources at its Northern Silica Project (NSP) in far north Queensland, Australia.
Positive results from infill and step out drilling at the Si2 deposit in 2022 confirmed the continuity and quality of silica sand in the dune system.
Recent and pending results in the Point Lookout Track (PLT) area will build on previous exploration efforts to enable a north-west extension of the Si2 resource in coming months. The results have improved 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 Si2 dune system (Northern Silica Project), which is due in late Q1 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.
“The significant additional drilling and apparent extension to the Si2 dune evaluation is a great result, delivered for a second year in a row by the Northern Silica Project development team,” CEO, Neil McIntyre, said.
“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 Si2 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.”
Highlights
• Si2 Resource infill and step out drilling in 2022 confirmed continuity and extensions of high purity silica sand dunes.
• Preliminary exploration drilling started at Casuarina to establish sand quality and continuity, with the aim of establishing mineral resource at the project near Port of Cape Flattery
• LiDAR survey completed across Northern Silica Project, improving topographic control and planning
• Additional results in PLT target area enable commencement of maiden resource estimate in 2023
• EPM 17795 renewed until mid-2026 , amid growing demand for high-quality silica sand from solar PV
industry
• Scoping study on Northern Silica Project advancing
For further information please visit: https://diatreme.com.au/
