Pippingarra Project Boasts 98% SiO2 in Maiden 6.2 Million Tonne Resource
Industrial Minerals Ltd has announced a maiden inferred mineral resource of 6.2 million tonnes at 98% silica for its Pippingarra Quarry Project in Western Australia, positioning the company to meet growing global demand for high purity quartz.
- Maiden JORC Inferred Mineral Resource of 6.2Mt at 98% SiO2
- Extensive drilling database of 535 holes totaling over 17,000m
- Successful beneficiation and mineral sorting testwork completed
- Significant exploration targets for muscovite mica and potassium feldspar
- Strategic location near Port Hedland with existing mining infrastructure
A Significant Milestone for Pippingarra
Industrial Minerals Ltd (ASX, IND) has reached a pivotal moment with the release of its maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Pippingarra Quarry Project, located in the mineral-rich Pilbara region of Western Australia. The company reports an inferred resource of 6.2 million tonnes of high purity quartz (HPQ) grading 98% silica (SiO2), a quality benchmark that aligns with some of the world’s leading quartz deposits.
Robust Data Underpinning the Resource
The resource estimate is supported by an extensive drilling campaign comprising 535 drill holes and over 17,000 metres of drilling. This comprehensive dataset, including reverse circulation, percussion, and diamond drilling, provides a solid foundation for the geological model and resource classification. The inferred status reflects a reasonable confidence level, though further drilling and density measurements are planned to upgrade this classification.
Commercial Viability and Strategic Advantages
Industrial Minerals has demonstrated commercial potential through successful beneficiation and mineral sorting testwork programs. These efforts have shown that the quartz can be processed to meet stringent industry standards, particularly for semiconductor and solar photovoltaic applications where supply security and purity are critical. The project’s proximity to Port Hedland, a major export hub, combined with existing mining operations and infrastructure, enhances its logistical and operational readiness.
Exploration Upside with Co-Products
Beyond the quartz resource, the company highlights a substantial exploration target for muscovite mica and potassium feldspar, both of which could serve as valuable co-products. This multi-product approach could improve project economics and reduce risk by diversifying revenue streams. Planned mineralogical assessments and further drilling aim to better define these additional resources.
Positioning for Growing Global Demand
With global demand for high purity quartz rising, driven by growth in advanced manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors and solar energy, Industrial Minerals is strategically positioned to become a reliable supplier. The company’s engagement with industry participants across Asia and beyond underscores the market’s emphasis on consistent, long-term supply agreements, which Pippingarra’s scale and quality are well placed to satisfy.
Next Steps and Market Outlook
Looking ahead, Industrial Minerals plans to advance mineralogical studies, expand drilling to upgrade resource confidence, and continue beneficiation testwork to refine product specifications. Strategic marketing efforts and partnerships, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, will be key to translating this resource into commercial success.
Bottom Line?
Industrial Minerals’ maiden resource at Pippingarra sets the stage for a new high purity quartz supply source amid tightening global demand.
Questions in the middle?
- How quickly can Industrial Minerals upgrade the resource classification from inferred to indicated or measured?
- What are the timelines and capital requirements for scaling up beneficiation and mining operations?
- How will the potential co-products muscovite mica and potassium feldspar impact overall project economics and market positioning?