Taiton Resources (ASX: T88) is progressing with detailed exploration activities at its recently acquired Kingsgate Project in New South Wales, where a revaluation of historical data has identified potential high-grade quartz reserves.
Situated 20 kilometres east of Glen Innes in the New England Batholith, the area has a rich history of mining, primarily for molybdenum and tin, but is now being evaluated for its quartz potential (Figure 1).
Spanning 307.6 square kilometres, the Kingsgate Project encompasses two exploration licences in a region known for significant mineral deposits.
Historical outputs have included substantial quantities of tin and molybdenum, estimated at 300,000 tonnes and 450 tonnes respectively.
Figure 1: Taiton's Kingsgate Project within the New England Batholith (Source: ASX release)
High-Purity Quartz Pipes
A revaluation of historical data from Auzex Resources, which led exploration efforts from 2004 to 2010, highlighted the presence of high-purity quartz pipes (Figure 2).
Figure 2: High-grade molybdenum in quartz pipes (Source: Taiton Resources Limited)
These pipes were initially targeted for their molybdenum and bismuth content but are now recognised for their valuable quartz composition Figure 3.
The geological makeup of the Kingsgate area includes the prominent Kingsgate Leucogranite and Red Range Microleucogranite.
These rock units host the quartz pipes that are central to the current exploration focus, particularly along the intrusive margins of the granite.
Figure 3: Kingsgate Diamond Core - Quartz. (Source: Taiton Resources Limited)
Leveraging Past Data
Building on the groundwork laid by Auzex, Taiton Resources is leveraging extensive past geological mappings, soil sampling, and geophysical surveys.
These efforts encompassed comprehensive drilling programs and sophisticated 3D geological modelling, which are critical to the current detailed assessment phase.
Noel Ong, Executive Director of Taiton Resources, stated, "The journey for that comes with the granting of the tenement. We at Taiton are excited about the potential of the Kingsgate project. The projected rising demand for both Molybdenum and high-grade silica gives us the confidence of moving the asset forward into production.
"The team accepts that this path is not going to be easy technically, but the greatest asset of the project is that Auzex has done a significant amount of work towards the same pathway which will reduce our potential operating expenses. "
Looking ahead
The company's approach is to re-examine the previously mined quartz zones to assess the quality and extent of the quartz deposits more accurately.
This step is crucial for planning the subsequent exploration and potential development stages.
As Taiton Resources continues to explore Kingsgate, the focus is on mapping the extent of quartz mineralisation comprehensively (Figure 4).
This includes searching for new clusters of mineralised pipes to potentially expand the project's scope and enhance geological understanding.
Figure 4: Goodwins Quartz Pipe. (Source: Taiton Resources Limited)
Role of Quartz and High Purity Quartz (HPQ)
Quartz, a crystalline mineral primarily composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2), is distinguished by its remarkable physical and chemical properties, making it one of the most versatile and abundant minerals in the Earth's crust.
Renowned for its aesthetic diversity, quartz appears in several forms—from pure, transparent rock crystal to richly coloured varieties like amethyst, citrine, and rose quartz. Its wide range of applications extends from decorative items to practical uses in various industries.
In the realm of technology, High Purity Quartz is indispensable due to its piezoelectric properties, which enable it to generate an electrical voltage in response to mechanical stress.
This quality is crucial for its use in solar panels, semi-conductors, watches, clocks, and advanced communication devices, where precise timekeeping is essential.
Additionally, quartz's ability to withstand extreme temperatures and resist corrosion makes it an ideal material for laboratory glassware, electronics, and optical instruments.
The durability and non-reactivity of quartz also make it a popular choice for architectural and domestic applications, such as countertops and other surfaces that require longevity and ease of maintenance.
These attributes underline the importance of quartz in both everyday applications and high-tech equipment, making it a key material in modern engineering and manufacturing.
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