Viridis’ Smoky project returns up to 95.1% halloysite

Special Report: Assays from aircore hammer drilling at Viridis Mining and Minerals’ Smoky project in NSW have returned ‘outstanding’ results of up to 95.1% halloysite.

The project covers 6km2 in the upper Hunter Valley region and contains a historical halloysite quarry and covers potentially more than 3km strike length of a known and unique kaolin‐halloysite bearing sequence.

In 1970, Commercial Minerals Pty Ltd identified halloysite in four trenches and during 1983-1984, historical records show one of two drill holes logged contain halloysite from 11m to 14.5m – however, little modern exploration has occurred since.

These modern assay results could bode well for Viridis Mining and Minerals (ASX:VMM), as halloysite is a form of kaolinite that commands a high sales price in industrial applications.

Usages include controlled release drug delivery, nutrient and methane adsorption in the cattle industry, carbon capture by adsorption at various pressures (industrial uses), and premium medical grade ceramics.

And – depending on the purity – halloysite can also be an excellent feedstock for High Purity Alumina (HPA).

A nice boost for the company’s portfolio

The company completed an initial seven-hole drill program at the project in February-March 2023, with results including:

13m of 86.1% halloysite (76.5% <45um fraction) from 4m, including seven separate 1m samples with over 90% halloysite (<45um fraction) (VS23-06);
Highest reported halloysite concentration is 95.1% (<45um fraction) over 1m from 4m (VS23-06); and
9m of 79.2% halloysite (68% <45um fraction) from 1m (VS23-07).

“We are pleased to have received further assays on our drill holes which have increased both grades and thicknesses of halloysite mineralisation,” VMM executive chairman Agha Shahzad Pervez said.

“Viridis remains focused on the development of work programs at the Colossus rare earth project in Pocos De Caldas, however, these results continue adding further value to our portfolio of assets.

“The work programs completed at Smoky provide substantial understanding of the halloysite mineralisation and geology with minimal resources expended.”

Additional samples from above and below the measured halloysite layer are still awaiting assays.

This article was developed in collaboration with Viridis Mining and 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.