An updated resource estimate for VRX Silica Ltd.'s Arrowsmith Central silica sand project in Western Australia increased resources by 273% compared to the initial estimate.
The property now hosts an indicated resource of 28.2 million tonnes at 96.6% silicon oxide and an inferred resource of 48.3 Mt at 96.9% silicon oxide, for a total of 76.5 million tonnes at 96.8% silicon oxide.
VRX said Aug. 15 that the upgraded estimate will allow it to finalize estimates for ore reserves that will support a bankable feasibility study. It expects majority of the indicated resource to be upgraded to probable reserves.
In July, the company reported an increase in resources at its Arrowsmith North property to 771 million tonnes at 98% silicon dioxide. An independent study also pegged processing plant construction costs of A$18.3 million per plant.
Work is now ongoing to complete the mining lease applications and environmental approvals for the properties.
