Pinnacle sniffs out potential for halloysite at Tammin

Pinnacle’s Tammin project in Western Australia has received a boost to its potential attractiveness after halloysite was identified in a surface sample.

While a single sample does not a resource make, the possibility for the discovery of a halloysite dominant mineralised zone in the vicinity of the sample location just adds to its bounty, which was recently enlarged over an area with gold and nickel prospectivity.

Pinnacle Minerals (ASX:PIM) plans to carry out further exploration to zero in on any such mineralisation once the tenure is granted and surface rights are secured.

While kaolin is certainly valuable enough given its use in the paper and ceramics industries as well as in the manufacture of high purity alumina (HPA), which is finding increasing use in lithium-ion batteries, halloysite is considerably higher up the value chain.

Halloysite nanotubes – a rare form of Kaolin formed by hydrothermal adjustment of alumino-silicate minerals – lends itself to use in the high-grade ceramic industry and high tech applications such as hydrogen storage, water purification, carbon capture and lithium-ion batteries.

“Identifying halloysite nanotubes in the first surface sample taken from the Tammin project is a fantastic result for the company and one which sets the tone for the project moving forward,” managing director Nic Matich said.

“Located close to Perth with ready access to infrastructure including both rail and a major highway which run through the project area, we are eagerly awaiting further assay results from the project and look forward to updating shareholders.”

Tammin project

The Tammin project borders Anglo American’s southwest Yilgarn exploration project, where active exploration for base and precious metals, including battery metals such as copper and nickel, is underway.

It benefits from good infrastructure with both the interstate standard gauge railway and national highway running through the northern portion of the project with a short 204km haul to the deep-water port at Fremantle.

Land access agreements are currently being negotiated pending granting of the tenements, with the company optimistic about achieving a positive outcome for all parties concerned.

This article was developed in collaboration with Pinnacle Minerals (ASX:PIM), a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.