The future of the Cape Flattery mine north of Hope Vale appears to be bright as silica miner Diatreme Resources eyes expansion near its Galalar Silica Project.

The company is currently undertaking low-impact auger drilling at two target sites.

These targets make up two of the five northern exploration targets which cover a total area of 50 square kilometres.

Diatreme CEO Neil McIntyre said the exploration targets had significant potential.

“These northern exploration targets have the potential to demonstrate the true extent of this world class high-purity silica dune system, playing a key role in Diatreme’s future resource development and logistics planning,” he said.

“The company remains focused on advancing the Galalar Silica Project into production as soon as possible, as it has a demonstrated ability to produce a low iron, premium quality silica sand product, perfect for the needs of Asia’s fast‐growing solar photovoltaic and specialty glass market.

“This is becoming even more significant amid growing global supply concerns, demands for an increasingly decarbonised global economy and the need for environmentally sustainable minerals supply as part of that solution.”

One issue facing Diatreme is the delay in sample analysis due to high demand for laboratory services.

Mr McIntyre said there could be lasting employment opportunities for Far North communities if the mine effort performs as anticipated.

“Galalar has the potential to be a long‐term silica operation that generates valuable new jobs and investment for the local communities of Hope Vale and Cooktown and, together with its potential for downstream processing opportunities in Townsville, has the potential to give the whole region a boost in its post‐pandemic recovery,” he said.

This article appeared in Cape York Weekly, 5 October 2021.

Watch the earlier Acquisdata Executive SnapShot with Diatreme Resources CEO, Neil McIntyre