Highlights

• Australasian Metals is advancing its Dingo Hole High Pure Quartz project in the Northern Territory.
• HPQ is vital for low-carbon technologies, including semiconductors, optical fibres, and solar cells.
• Historical sampling highlighted greater than 99.94% SiO₂, ideal for high-end applications with low impurities.
• Exploration target at Dingo Hole is estimated between 10.4Mt and 42.6Mt, with high SiO₂ purity.
• Planned activities include detailed surface sampling, aboriginal survey, drilling, and testing for advanced technologies.

Australasian Metals Limited (ASX:A8G), an Australia-based metal exploration company, aims to become a leading supplier of high-purity quartz (HPQ), a critical component for a low-carbon, green economy. The company is advancing its Dingo Hole High Pure Quartz project in the Northern Territory.

Data and image source: Company update

Applications and Market Dynamics of HPQ

HPQ is vital for sectors including semiconductors, optical fibres, the solar industry, and electronics. It is particularly significant in battery technology, where silicon carbon anodes can store up to 10 times more lithium ions by weight compared to graphite.

Referring to a report from MR Research, A8G has highlighted that the HPQ market is project to grow from USD 703.6 million in 2019 to USD 1.95 billion by 2034, driven by increased sales in consumer electronics, digital transformation, and rising solar energy demand.

Data and image source: Company update

Silicon metal is crucial for producing electric vehicles, computer chips, and photovoltaic solar cells. It is central to advancing a low-carbon economy and is key to aluminium production, silicones, electronics, and next-generation EV batteries.

A8G asserts that its operations will not only meet the growing demand for these advanced technologies but also deliver significant benefits to local communities through employment, training, and skills development.

Exploration target range defined at Dingo Hole Project

The Dingo Hole project features extensive silica outcropping over approximately 1km², with historical sampling confirming low levels of deleterious elements such as Al, Ti, and Li. Over 30 surface samples have shown more than 99.94% SiO₂ with minimal processing, highlighting the project's potential for high-purity quartz production.

A drone survey has identified key areas for resource delineation. Initial fieldwork has involved taking 20 samples to assess purity, with SRK Consulting Pty Ltd estimating an exploration target range of 10.4Mt to 42.6Mt. Due diligence results reveal raw material with over 99.88% SiO₂, which increases to 99.95% SiO₂ after acid leaching.

Planned exploration initiatives include:

- Conducting additional surface sampling and comprehensive 57-element assays to refine geochemical composition and identify high-purity quartz (HPQ) areas.

- Completing an aboriginal survey and renew the AAPA certificate for drilling and bulk sampling in HPQ areas.

- Implementing a drilling program, potentially using reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drill holes.

- Testing representative samples for applications in crucible manufacturing, semiconductors, electronics, and special optical components.

A8G shares last traded at AU$0.135 on 02 September 2024.