Carbine Resources has secured key access agreements and is progressing regulatory approvals for its silica sand projects, maintaining a strong cash position as field activities prepare to restart in early 2026.
- Access agreements finalized for Down South Silica Sand Project
- Regulatory approvals progressing at Muchea West Silica Sand Project
- Field work to recommence in Q1 2026 at Down South
- Company holds over $1.4 million in cash reserves
- Exploration expenditure of $43k focused on tenement fees and field activities
Progress at Down South Silica Sand Project
Carbine Resources Limited (ASX, CRB) has reported significant progress in its silica sand exploration efforts for the quarter ending 31 December 2025. The company finalized access agreements for the Down South Silica Sand Project, located near Bunbury in Western Australia's southwest region. This milestone clears the way for field work to recommence in the first quarter of 2026, following extensive planning and data compilation from previous reconnaissance activities.
Ongoing Approvals and Technical Work at Muchea West
Meanwhile, at the Muchea West Silica Sand Project, situated about 40 kilometres north-northeast of Perth, Carbine continues to navigate regulatory and stakeholder approvals. Engagements with the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration, the Department of Defence, and the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation remain active, particularly around land access and heritage agreements. Despite these ongoing processes, the company has advanced desktop scoping and technical assessments, focusing on operational logistics and infrastructure planning for future mining activities.
Resource Potential and Project Significance
The Muchea West Project boasts a substantial mineral resource of 110 million tonnes at an exceptionally high silica purity of 99.65% SiO2, with an exploration target ranging between 762 and 938 million tonnes at similar grades. This positions Carbine Resources among the leading Australian silica sand projects, given the deposit's quality and low impurity levels. Preliminary test work indicates that simple wet attritioning can significantly reduce iron oxide and other impurities, enhancing the sand's commercial viability.
Financial Position and Corporate Activity
Financially, Carbine remains well-capitalized with over $1.4 million in cash at the end of the quarter, supporting ongoing exploration and evaluation activities. Exploration expenditure for the period was modest at $43,000, primarily covering tenement fees, rates, rents, and field reconnaissance. The company also disclosed payments to related parties, including director and consulting fees, consistent with standard corporate governance practices. Business development efforts continue as Carbine seeks to enhance and complement its project portfolio.
Looking Ahead
With access agreements secured and planning well advanced, Carbine Resources is poised to accelerate field activities at Down South, while steadily advancing approvals and technical groundwork at Muchea West. These developments underscore the company's commitment to unlocking the potential of its silica sand assets amid a market increasingly attentive to high-purity industrial minerals.
Bottom Line?
Carbine’s next quarter will be pivotal as field operations resume and regulatory milestones approach, setting the stage for potential resource expansion.
Questions in the middle?
- How soon will Carbine secure final regulatory approvals to commence mining at Muchea West?
- What are the expected timelines and costs associated with the upcoming field work at Down South?
- Could further exploration convert the substantial Muchea West exploration target into a defined resource?