Suvo has the higher end of the silica sand market squarely in its sights following successful initial metallurgical testing of samples from its Nova project in WA.

The test work produced a high quality silica sand to 99.31% SiO2 that is suitable for use in glass manufacturing and foundry applications – including the casting of electric vehicle motor parts.

Further testing is underway to determine if the silica flour – a high value product that can be used as a wellhead cement additive – present in the finer fraction can be captured.

This is good news for Suvo Strategic Minerals (ASX:SUV) as silica sand for glass making and foundry uses can command up to $US53 ($68.70) per dry metric ton (DMT) while the highly specialised silica flour can be worth between US$140 to $US150 per DMT.

“Nova continues to surprise with the extensive historic exploration and current drilling data suggesting we have the opportunity for a very large multiple product asset including highly sought after AFS 60 particle sized silica used in the casting of electric vehicle components,” executive chairman Robert Martin noted.

“Suvo has refined the test work that is currently underway to include more detailed testing to help us understand the geology in greater detail. We are excited by Nova’s potential and look forward to updating the market once the full suite of tests are completed.”

Analysis of the remaining samples will also be used to help determine a JORC resource for Nova.

Nova strategic samples nova silica sand
Metallurgical sample intervals in thick sections of white sand. Pic: Supplied

Nova silica sand project

The Nova project is located on the Eneabba Plain about 300km north of Perth with access by the Brand Highway about 15km south of Eneabba. The project can also utilise an underutilised rail network with direct access to the Geraldton port.

Aircore drilling has indicated that the silica rich white sands are generally flat lying and extensive, which could bode well for the potential scale of the Nova project considering the very large land holding of 169km2. The incorporation of historical data at the project should add significant value and understanding.

This article was developed in collaboration with Suvo Strategic Minerals, 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.

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