Two-Tonne Sample Testing Boosts Industrial Minerals’ HPQ Prospects at Pippingarra
Industrial Minerals Ltd has reported promising progress in its high purity quartz beneficiation and ore-sorting trials at the Pippingarra Pegmatite Project, with growing interest from Asian markets and potential new co-products enhancing project economics.
- Completion of Stage 2 beneficiation testwork on two-tonne pegmatite sample
- Ore-sorting trials reveal potential for feldspar and mica co-products
- Strategic partnership with NHICCL supports advanced testwork in China
- Market engagement expanding to Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan
- Company holds 80% interest in Pippingarra project with $1.07M cash on hand
Progress on High Purity Quartz Beneficiation
Industrial Minerals Ltd (ASX: IND) has taken significant strides in its March 2025 quarter activities, focusing on the beneficiation of high purity quartz (HPQ) at its flagship Pippingarra Pegmatite Project in Western Australia. The company completed Stage 2 testing on a substantial two-tonne pegmatite sample, processed in partnership with NANCHANG HENGSUI INDUSTRIAL & COMMERCIAL COMPANY LIMITED (NHICCL) at specialised facilities in Lianyungang, China. While final laboratory results are pending, preliminary observations are positive and independently audited by Keypointe Pty Ltd, underscoring the technical rigor of the program.
The Stage 2 testwork involved a comprehensive sequence of industry-standard purification steps, including calcination, precision crushing, magnetic separation, flotation, acid leaching, and hot chlorination. This multi-stage process aims to meet stringent specifications demanded by advanced manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors and solar technology.
Ore-Sorting Trials Unlock New Opportunities
Complementing the beneficiation program, IND initiated ore-sorting trials using advanced dual-sensor technology from Anhui Zhongke Optic-electronic Color Sorter Machinery Co., Ltd. These trials demonstrated promising potential not only to isolate high-purity quartz but also to recover feldspar and mica as valuable co-products. This development could significantly enhance the economic viability of the Pippingarra project by improving resource utilization and offering diversified product streams.
Historical context adds weight to this opportunity, as the Pippingarra mine previously operated successfully as a feldspar and mica producer, delivering over 380,000 tonnes to Asian markets. The ability to revive and expand these product lines alongside HPQ could provide a more robust commercial foundation.
Market Development and Strategic Positioning
Market interest in IND’s HPQ materials is growing, with bulk samples being prepared for shipment to potential buyers in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The company’s strategic partner NHICCL is leveraging its industry connections to facilitate introductions and engage HPQ processing experts, particularly for crucible production applications. Discussions with prospective customers have highlighted a minimum quartz content requirement of 80%, a benchmark that IND’s ore-sorting and beneficiation efforts aim to meet or exceed.
IND’s 80% interest in the Pippingarra project, combined with operational support from North West Quarries, provides a solid platform for phased production. The company is evaluating a staged implementation of ore-sorting technology to align capital expenditure with market demand, enabling a capital-efficient pathway to commercialisation.
Financial Position and Next Steps
As at 31 March 2025, IND reported $1.07 million in cash reserves, with exploration expenditure of $104,000 for the quarter. Payments to related parties, including directors’ fees and consulting, totaled $99,000. The company plans to verify Stage 2 testwork results with qualified experts, ship bulk samples for customer evaluation, and continue assessing ore-sorting technologies and co-product opportunities. Ongoing market research in Asia remains a priority to refine product specifications and development pathways.
Overall, Industrial Minerals is positioning itself at the intersection of critical mineral supply and advanced manufacturing demand, with its Pippingarra project poised to deliver high purity quartz alongside valuable co-products. The coming months will be pivotal as testwork results crystallize and market engagement intensifies.
Bottom Line?
Industrial Minerals’ next quarter will be critical as it validates testwork results and advances market engagement, setting the stage for potential commercial breakthrough.
Questions in the middle?
- Will final Stage 2 beneficiation results confirm the preliminary positive indications?
- How economically viable will the feldspar and mica co-products be in the current market environment?
- What is the timeline and capital requirement for phased ore-sorting technology deployment at Pippingarra?