Perth-based Suvo Strategic Minerals (ASX: SUV) has secured a land access agreement, which will help fast track the Eneabba Silica Sand project in Western Australia.
The agreement is with the landowner occupying the land to the east on Suvo’s granted tenure that contains the Eneabba Project maiden Inferred JORC Resource of 216Mt of Silica Sand.
The land access agreement provides certainty for the company’s upcoming drilling campaign, aimed at determining a JORC Compliant Indicated Resource.
The land area is already cleared for agricultural use, negating the need for environmental clearing permits, and with key infrastructure already available, timelines may be significantly reduced towards developing the silica sands project.
An operation the potential size of Eneabba would create much needed employment opportunities in WA’s mid-west.
The company has negotiated access to drill an area that is not under crop which will allow a more streamlined and less onerous process be conducted by the company in its pursuit towards the potential development of a Silica Sand operation at Eneabba.
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.
The company intends securing a drill rig and commencing drilling in the coming months. Concurrently, it will advance talks with above and below rail operators and the Midwest Port Authority.
The proposed upcoming drilling campaign will allow Suvo to obtain bulk samples and send these to various end-users for further metallurgical test work. Sample results will assist to define end-user product specifications and potential product pricing, allowing for the fast track of potential offtake discussions.
Following completion of the drilling programme, Suvo plans to commence study work to facilitate a mining licence application. The existing infrastructure already in place will potentially help expedite feasibility studies.
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
We are excited to be making progress at Eneabba, at a time when demand for sustainably sourced sands is outpacing supply,” Executive Chairman, Henk Ludik, said.
“To have access to existing infrastructure already in place that has the potential to fast-track studies is an excellent outcome for our shareholders.
“Development of WA’s first large scale sustainable silica sand operation remains a key strategy of the company. “An operation of this size will create much needed employment opportunities in the region. This is in line with Governments commitment to the region as evidenced by funding provided to Iluka’s adjacent project. We look forward to providing further updates once drilling commences.”
