Highlights
- Allup Silica has released encouraging assays from hand auger drilling conducted across the Sparkler C Project.
- The assays delivered an average raw materials surface grade of 98.8% silicon dioxide (SiO2).
- The latest development has led to delineating high-purity target areas for a follow-up aircore drilling campaign for Q1 2023.
- Allup has also finalised a similar hand auger drilling program at its Pink Bark Silica Sand Exploration Project.
ASX-listed silica sand exploration player Allup Silica (ASX:APS) has provided an upbeat update from its Sparkler C Project. The company reported an average raw materials surface grade of 98.8% silicon dioxide (SiO2) from assay results of hand auger drilling conducted at the project.
Initially, 30 auger samples were taken from the target area, out of which 21 holes returned results above the 98% cut-off for an average silica grade of 98.8% (SiO2) and iron grade of 2094ppm Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3). Moreover, 18 holes have been detected within the mineralisation zone for an average silica grade of 98.8% (SiO2).
© 2022 Kalkine Media®, Image source: Company update
Assays support Allup’s low-impact exploration strategy
The latest drilling campaign is designed to define areas potentially prospective for high-purity silica sands at the company’s Sparkler Silica Sand Exploration Project.
The results received to date are part of the company’s targeting methodology and its low-impact exploration strategy.
© 2022 Kalkine Media®, Data source: Company update
Follow-up aircore drilling due in Q1
Backed by the latest results, Allup plans to undertake aircore drilling and full metallurgical beneficiation testwork program.
© 2022 Kalkine Media®, Data source: Company update
Sparkler C is located in the same area as Sparkler A, which witnessed metallurgical beneficiation testwork results at (an average of) 99.7% SiO2 and 84ppm Fe2O3 - grades suitable for the glass used in the photovoltaic (solar panel) industry.
The hand auger drilling program has identified high-purity target areas for a follow-up aircore drilling campaign scheduled in Q1 2023, says Allup.
Hand auger drilling at Pink Bark Silica Sand Exploration Project
Image source: Company update
Meanwhile, Allup has finalised a similar hand auger drilling program at its Pink Bark Silica Sand Exploration Project (E63/2139). The samples have been sent to Nagrom Mineral Processing for analysis.
The company expects test results in Q1 2023.
APS shares were trading at AU$0.075 midday on 15 December 2022.