VRX Silica (VRX) has been given environmental approval for its 100-per-cent-owned Arrowsmith North silica sand project in Western Australia.
Located 270km north of Perth and 25km northwest of Eneabba, the Arrowsmith North project is a globally significant silica sand project for foundry, container glass and flat-glass markets in Asia.
The approval, under Part IV of the Environmental Protection Act 1986, means development of the project can commence, including the construction and operation of the processing plant.
Arrowsmith North has a proved and probable ore reserve – as announced in March 2024 – of 221 million tonnes (Mt) at 99.5 per cent silicon dioxide, with VRX planning to “ramp-up” production from approximately 1 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) to more than 2Mtpa.
It’s understood this can be sustained for decades to come, with production expected to commence in the second half (H2) of 2026 and the promise that the project has the potential to support Western Australia’s long-term silica industry.
Australia is currently the largest exporter of silica sand in the Asia-Pacific region, with exports last year exceeding 3.3Mt.
“We are pleased to have received works approval for Arrowsmith North so soon after receiving state environmental approval,” VRX managing director Bruce Maluish said.
“This is yet another significant milestone for VRX and the development of Arrowsmith North as we move towards production.”
Globally, the silica sand market has experienced strong growth driving by the rising demands of the construction sectors in markets including South Korea, Japan, and China.