Muchea Silica Sand Project

Project Summary (Excerpt)

Supplying Western Australia with sustainable, high-purity silica sand for a new hi-tech, ultra-clear glass manufacturing industry VRX Silica Limited, a Perth-based ASX listed company is developing the high-grade, long-life Muchea Silica Sand Project 50km north east of Perth and other silica sand projects in the Mid-West VRX is pursuing the establishment of a glass making facility in Western Australia to manufacture specialist glass for use in solar panels, LCD screens and other high-tech products This globally scarce resource will support the establishment of new local downstream industries with significant investment and job creation
Muchea is one of only a few world-class silica sand projects with an exceptionally long life and an outstanding grade of 99 9% SiO2 This level of purity means it is perfectly suited to the booming ultra-clear solar panel flat glass industry
Muchea has a world-class Mineral Resource of 208Mt

Project description

The manufacture of solar panel flat glass requires two key inputs; reliable energy and high purity silica sand. Muchea’s sand grade, location adjacent to major gas pipelines and proximity to the Mid-West Renewables Hub makes it the perfect site to establish a glass manufacturing plant.

The establishment of a glass manufacturing industry would create new highly-skilled jobs and attract more than $1 billion in international investment to regional areas due to the soaring demand for solar panels around the world as economies transition to net-zero.

The estimated $30 million capital expenditure required to build the 2Mtpa Muchea operation is expected to yield $3.3 billion in revenue over the initial 25-year life. The simple plant construction means that VRX can commence production at Muchea within a short time following final environmental and mining approvals.

VRX is considering a number of options for powering mining, processing and glass production, including a combination of solar, wind, LNG and hydrogen. Along with its sustainable mining practices, VRX is committed to creating the smallest carbon footprint possible.

VRX has established a strong relationship with Traditional Owners, the Whadjuk People and has entered into a Mining Project Agreement clearing the path to project development and providing for shared beneficial outcomes.

VRX takes its ESG credentials seriously. Our made-for-purpose Vegetation Direct Transfer (VDT) mining method puts rehabilitation of mined land at the centre of mining. The VDT model uses a custom-designed front-end loader bucket to take a 3x3m, 40cm-deep sod of topsoil from the area to be mined and transfers it directly to the previously mined area. This 40cm sod contains the vast majority of native flora and invertebrate fauna while the root systems, near-surface humus and all microbial contents remain intact – for immediate restoration.

Investment opportunity details

Investment at Company or Project Level.
Can be in return for offtake agreement.