The quartz sand explorer Allup Silica Sand (ASX: APS; FRA: U77) has secured a series of new areas for exploration by applying for exploration licenses for additional projects in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, where quartz sand is suspected.

To this end, Allup has submitted applications for projects named Blue Vein and Trigger Fish to the Western Australian Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety and the Northern Territory Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade. Simultaneously, an application was made to expand the area of the property named Dune Buggy.

The Blue Vein exploration project is located only 30 kilometers (by rail) from the Port of Bunbury and in close proximity to infrastructure such as railways, paved roads, a community, and industry. The project is situated on private property and requires the landowner’s consent. Allup has historical drilling data which, along with a review of all available data by computer and on-site, indicates potential for quartz sands according to the company.

The Trigger Fish exploration project, on the other hand, is located just 4 kilometers east of the Adelaide-Darwin railway line and is also in close proximity to infrastructure, including a gas pipeline, railways, a paved road, and a small community. Here too, a review of the data has shown potential for quartz sands.

Dune Buggy is the subject of an expansion application for about three blocks or 8.6 square kilometers east of the existing property. The project is located on the east side and is therefore somewhat closer to the Port of Esperance.

Allup Chair Andrew Haythorpe emphasized that his company is fully focused on advancing the development of the quartz sand projects, which are still in an early phase. Allup continues to focus on the strategy of dedicating itself to multiple projects that have both logistical and shipping options.

Factors such as transport and other infrastructure are crucial for the economic viability of sand deposits, especially when it comes to high-purity quartz sands suitable for glass production or even as a precursor for PV modules.

New Focus

The Board of Allup Silica has also decided to withdraw the application for an exploration license for the Antwalker project. They believe that they now have the right composition of the property portfolio to optimize the chances of developing these early-stage projects.

The financial resources that Allup had previously allocated to Antwalker will now benefit new exploration licenses or other important quartz sand projects in the portfolio, it was said.