Basin of silica cleared to mine

Metallica Minerals has received Queensland state government backing for its huge silica sands development in North Queensland, underscoring demand for the highquality glass needed in solar panels, computer screens, televisions and electric vehicles.

Brisbane-based Metallica’s planned mine at Cape Flattery has been declared a co-ordinated project by the Office of the Coordinator-General, a designation allowing streamlined environmental approvals and other processes.

Cape Flattery in Far North Queensland has been called the “Bowen Basin” of silica sand, with Metallica developing a huge silica sand deposit 220km north of Cairns.

Diatreme, another silica sand prospect in the region, chaired by former treasurer Wayne Swan, earlier this year announced its project could potentially be worth $1.4bn over a 25-year life span.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for the development of solar panel manufacturing in Australia, given the growing importance of the strategic resource.

Metallica chief executive Theo Psaros, a former boss of Queensland Rugby Union, said he likens the region to the Bowen Basin in term of its export potential. The Bowen Basin contains the largest coal reserve in Australia, extends over approximately 60,000sq km of Central Queensland, and is a major contributor to the economy.

“The silica sand resource is very large with proximity to good infrastructure,” said Mr Psaros. “The deposits in there are well known around the world for being one of the most pure silica sand products available.”

Metallica, which is adjacent to the world’s largest silica mine run by Japan’s Mitsubishi, is expected to be up and running by 2027.

Mr Psaros says the global silica sand market is expected to grow from US$8bn in 2019 to US$20bn next year.

“With access to key global markets our project is well positioned to capitalise on the growing green economy,” said Mr Psaros.