Results from Diatreme Resources’ 2024 drilling program on Cape York confirm an extraordinary silica deposit, according to chief executive officer Neil McIntyre.
He said the resource at the company’s Northern Silica Project was highly amenable for onsite processing, high product recoveries and use as a direct feed product by photovoltaic grade glass manufacturers
The exploration program completed in late December comprised 3420m drilled across 154 holes at the Si2 deposit.
“The 2024 drilling results will now be used for an updated mineral resource estimate at the Si2 deposit, which is fundamental as we work towards delivering the maiden ore reserves and final stage feasibility study for the NSP,” Mr McIntyre said.
During the 2024 campaign, Diatreme changed the sampling methodology by collecting 1152 three-metre composites, rather than 1m intervals.
It used a new assaying regime focusing on the 0.71mm to 0.106mm fraction to enable better predictability of production quality and alignment with end-user product requirements.
In addition, 683 composited intervals from the 2023 drilling program were characterised using the same analysis methodology.
Across 154 holes drilled in 2024, mineralised intercepts averaged around 20m in thickness, highlighting solid continuity of silica-rich material.
Diatreme has ongoing bulk test work underway with Mineral Technologies in Carrara focused on producing demonstrative product from sands at the Northern Silica Project.
This work includes a one-tonne bulk sample program, with results due in April 2025.
Diatreme said the findings would validate the proposed flow sheet for the Northern Silica Project at scale, providing material suitable for securing offtake agreements.
Diatreme also continues to advance the environmental approvals process for the project, following receipt of the final terms of reference from the Office of the Coordinator-General.
