Suvo Strategic Minerals Limited (ASX: SUV) has commenced drilling on the private land to the east of granted tenure that contains the Eneabba Project maiden Inferred JORC Resource of 216Mt of Silica Sand at its Eneabba Silica Sands project Western Australia.
The drilling campaign consists of circa 75 holes for a total of 2100 meters and will be completed within a week.
The land is currently used for agricultural purposes and has infrastructure including:
- Road access, 3 phase power and water
- Rail line direct to Geraldton Port (approximately 2kms from the western boundary of E70/5001)
The cleared area of approximately 250 hectares negates the need for environmental clearing permits, and with key infrastructure already available, project timelines may be significantly reduced.
Importantly, Suvo continues to advance its discussions with the above and below rail operators, including the Midwest Port Authority, all of which are critical to ensuring the Company is well placed in its pursuit towards the potential development of a silica sand operation at Eneabba.
The commencement of this drilling campaign will allow Suvo to obtain bulk samples and send these to various end-users who have already registered their interest for metallurgical test work. Sample results will assist to define end-user product specifications and potential product pricing, allowing for meaningful offtake discussions.
Following completion of the drilling programme and confirmation of product suitability, Suvo plans to commence study work to facilitate a mining licence application. The existing infrastructure already in place will likely assist in expediting feasibility studies.
Executive Director Aaron Banks said should the company form up an economically viable resource, the Company and the private landowners will advance discussions allowing access to the tenement for mining operations and current infrastructure.
We are very excited to be drilling this part of our granted tenure. Rarely are you afforded this level of infrastructure directly adjacent to the company’s previously announced 216 million tonne inferred resource,” Mr Banks said.
“We believe there is great potential in extending the resource into an area that could significantly reduce the timeline and pathway to production. We look forward to updating the market in due course.”