ASQ’s Quartz Projects Face Permit and Purity Challenges Ahead Despite Strong Early Results
Australian Silica Quartz Group reports promising high-grade quartz results from its Queensland and Western Australia projects, advancing metallurgical trials toward commercial-grade silicon and crucible quartz production.
- 15 of 26 Gilbert Ranges samples exceed 99.4% silica content
- Metallurgical trials yield up to 99.994% purity quartz powder
- Ongoing R&D targets crucible grade quartz purity of 99.997% SiO2
- Projects strategically located near key infrastructure and processing hubs
- Further exploration and metallurgical testing planned for 2026
Exploration Progress at Gilbert Ranges
Australian Silica Quartz Group Limited (ASQ) has delivered encouraging results from its 100% owned Hardrock Quartz Projects, notably at the Gilbert Ranges site in Far North Queensland. Situated roughly 290 kilometres west of Townsville, the Gilbert Ranges project has emerged as a high-priority target for metallurgical grade silicon (MGSi) quartz, a critical feedstock for the solar silicon manufacturing industry.
Late 2025 fieldwork comprising 26 rock chip samples revealed that more than half of these samples contained silica (SiO2) concentrations exceeding 99.4%, with impressively low levels of iron and alumina impurities. The standout sample recorded 99.85% SiO2, underscoring the deposit’s potential. ASQ has secured an Exploration Permit application over the area and plans detailed mapping and sampling, with drilling to follow pending permit approval and land access agreements.
Advances in High Purity Quartz Metallurgy
Beyond MGSi quartz, ASQ is advancing its high purity quartz (HPQ) projects at Airport Blow in Queensland and Lake Seabrook in Western Australia. These projects focus on producing crucible grade quartz, essential for semiconductor, photovoltaic, and specialty glass industries. Metallurgical trials using ASQ’s proprietary flowsheet have yielded quartz powders with purities up to 99.994% SiO2, approaching the stringent crucible grade threshold of approximately 99.997% SiO2.
Notably, the Airport Blow sample underwent extensive purification including hot chlorination at an independent Chinese laboratory, while Lake Seabrook samples achieved near-crucible grade purity without such intensive treatments. ASQ’s ongoing research and development aims to refine these processes further, potentially enabling cost-effective production of ultra-high purity quartz.
Strategic Positioning and Future Outlook
ASQ’s projects benefit from strategic locations with access to major transport routes and proximity to critical mineral processing facilities, such as the proposed Lansdown facility near Townsville. The company holds its tenements in good standing, with no known impediments to exploration or future mining operations. This positions ASQ well to capitalise on growing demand for high-grade quartz materials driven by expanding solar and semiconductor markets.
Looking ahead, ASQ plans to continue metallurgical trials throughout 2026 and progress exploration activities at Gilbert Ranges once permits are granted. The company’s methodical approach to both exploration and processing development highlights its commitment to delivering commercially viable quartz products.
Bottom Line?
ASQ’s high-grade quartz results and refining metallurgical processes set the stage for potential breakthroughs in silicon and semiconductor supply chains.
Questions in the middle?
- When will ASQ receive final approval for the Gilbert Ranges Exploration Permit and commence drilling?
- Can ASQ’s metallurgical flowsheet consistently achieve crucible grade purity at scale without costly treatments?
- How will evolving market demand and pricing for MGSi and HPQ quartz influence ASQ’s commercialisation timeline?
