Industrial Minerals Ltd has announced a maiden JORC Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 6.2 million tonnes at 98% silica for its Pippingarra Quarry Project, signalling a significant step forward in supplying high-value quartz to advanced technology markets.
- Maiden JORC Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 6.2Mt at 98% SiO₂
- Successful beneficiation and mineral sorting testwork confirm commercial potential
- Exploration target extends to 35-50Mt silica plus substantial mica and feldspar
- Plans for expanded drilling and multi-product processing in 2026
- Strategic location near Port Hedland supports export logistics
A Milestone for High Purity Quartz Supply
Industrial Minerals Ltd (ASX, IND) has marked a pivotal moment with the release of its maiden JORC Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Pippingarra Quarry Project in Western Australia's Pilbara region. The estimate totals 6.2 million tonnes of high purity quartz (HPQ) grading an impressive 98% silica (SiO₂), positioning the company as a potential key supplier to the semiconductor, solar, and electronics industries.
Completed by independent consultant Rose Mining Geology, the MRE reflects rigorous geological modelling and assay analysis, confirming the deposit's scale and quality. This resource not only meets the stringent purity demands of advanced manufacturing but also offers the scale necessary to underpin long-term supply agreements.
Expanding Horizons, Beyond Quartz
While the quartz resource forms the core of the project, Industrial Minerals is actively exploring the broader pegmatite system for additional valuable minerals. The company has identified a substantial exploration target ranging from 35 to 50 million tonnes of silica at 85-98% grade, alongside 10 to 20 million tonnes of muscovite mica and 10 to 25 million tonnes of potassium feldspar, both at 40-60% grades.
These co-products could enhance project economics and diversify product offerings, especially as mica and feldspar have established industrial uses. The company plans to conduct detailed mineralogical assessments and expand drilling to upgrade resource classifications and better define these zones.
Commercial Viability and Strategic Positioning
Beneficiation and mineral sorting testwork completed during the quarter have demonstrated the commercial potential of the Pippingarra deposit. These results are critical in confirming that the high purity quartz and associated minerals can be efficiently processed to meet market specifications.
Strategically, the project benefits from excellent infrastructure, including sealed highways and proximity to Port Hedland's port facilities, facilitating efficient export logistics. The operational partnership with North West Quarries further supports readiness for development.
Looking Ahead, Unlocking Full Value in 2026
Industrial Minerals is gearing up for a busy 2026, focusing on resource modelling to integrate mica and feldspar zones, expanding drilling programs, and advancing multi-product processing techniques. Concurrently, the company aims to scale its marketing efforts across the Asia-Pacific and global markets to secure long-term offtake agreements.
Managing Director Jeff Sweet emphasised the transformative nature of the maiden resource, highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering a diversified suite of industrial minerals to meet growing global demand.
Financial and Operational Context
As of 31 December 2025, Industrial Minerals held $517,312 in cash, with exploration expenditure for the quarter recorded at $25,400. Payments to related parties amounted to $10,500, primarily for office rent. The company continues to evaluate additional mineral project acquisitions to complement its portfolio while maintaining momentum on the Pippingarra development.
Bottom Line?
With a solid resource base and clear plans to expand and diversify, Industrial Minerals is poised to become a significant player in the high purity quartz market, but execution and market engagement will be key in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will additional drilling impact the upgrade of resource classifications and inclusion of mica and feldspar?
- What are the timelines and expected outcomes for the expanded beneficiation and mineral sorting testwork?
- How quickly can Industrial Minerals secure long-term offtake agreements to underpin project financing?