EHigh‑Purity Silica – Technical Data & NI 43‑101 Framework
Production of High‑Purity Silica
The production pathway starts with careful selection of quartz‑rich feed, followed by staged crushing and grinding to liberate silica grains. The material is then subjected to washing, classification, and a series of physical separations to remove clays, heavy minerals, and organics. Chemical purification, including acid leaching and, where required, high‑temperature calcination, is used to reduce iron oxides and other trace impurities to ultra‑low levels.
At each stage, contamination control is critical: process water quality, reagent chemistry, liner materials, and handling protocols all influence final purity. The quality of the end product is therefore a function of both the intrinsic characteristics of the Energy Point silica sandstone and the rigor of the process flow sheet applied to it.
Chemical and Physical Properties
High‑purity silica is chemically inert over a wide range of pH and temperature conditions and does not react readily with most industrial reagents. It exhibits an exceptionally high melting point, excellent thermal stability, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and strong electrical insulation properties, all of which are desirable in high‑temperature and high‑voltage environments.
Optically, high‑purity silica can transmit light over a broad spectrum from deep ultraviolet through the visible and into the infrared, with low absorption and scattering. These optical characteristics, combined with its stability, underlie its use in precision lenses, fiber‑optic preforms, photolithography systems, and other photonic components.
Role in Electronics and Telecommunications
In an increasingly interconnected and digital world, high‑purity silica underpins core infrastructure in the electronics and telecommunications sectors. It is used in silicon wafer manufacture, high‑purity glass for photomasks and exposure systems, insulating substrates and fillers in advanced packaging, and as the starting material for optical fiber preforms that carry global data traffic.
The Energy Point Silica Project is strategically positioned to supply feedstock for these applications by combining naturally high‑grade silica sandstone with logistics access to western U.S. electronics, glass, and advanced materials corridors.
Energy Point Silica Project – Core Technical Parameters
The Energy Point Silica Project is hosted in a laterally continuous silica sandstone unit on the SI claim block near Jean, Nevada. Core drilling and surface mapping confirm thickness and continuity across the principal pit areas, while independent laboratory testing documents consistently high silica grades with low deleterious oxides.
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✓ Silica (SiO2) values locally exceeding 99–99.5% in selected size fractions under laboratory
conditions. ✓ Low iron (Fe2O3) and controlled alkali content supporting premium glass and high‑end industrial sand applications. ✓ Grain‑size distributions suitable for multiple product streams, including glass, foundry, and potential frac‑sand specifications. ✓ API/ISO frac‑sand testing on selected samples, including crush resistance and turbidity measurements. |
✓ XRF and multi‑element assay suites from independent laboratories providing full oxide and trace‑metal
profiles. ✓ Sieve analyses and physical testing confirming favorable sphericity, roundness, and strength characteristics in key fractions. ✓ Volumetric modelling integrating core, mapping, and topography to support pit‑scale tonnage scenarios. ✓ Ongoing testwork to tune flowsheets for different purity targets and end‑use markets (glass, silicon feedstock, industrial sand, and specialty silica products). |
NI 43‑101 Technical Report and Qualified Person Oversight
All scientific and technical information for the Energy Point Silica Project has been prepared, reviewed, and approved by an independent Qualified Person (“QP”) as that term is defined in National Instrument 43‑101. The current QP of record is Steven L. McMillin, M.Sc., CPG (AIPG CPG‑11031) of Range Front Mining Services.
Mr. McMillin has authored the NI 43‑101 Technical Report for the Project and relies, where appropriate, on historical technical work and specialist third‑party studies, including volumetric modelling by Burgex, Inc., earlier work by industrial minerals geologist Frederic C. Johnson, P.G., and analytical programs conducted by American Assay Laboratories, Landmark Testing Engineering, StimLabs Inc., and Hazen Research. The resulting technical file is maintained for diligence review by banks, strategic partners, and qualified investors under appropriate confidentiality arrangements.
Applications and Strategic Positioning
With silicon recognized as a critical mineral for solar, semiconductor, and advanced materials supply chains, a domestic source of high‑purity silica sand close to established infrastructure offers strategic advantages. Depending on product specification, Energy Point material can support glass manufacturing, industrial sand applications, potential silicon feedstock pathways, and engineered products for high‑tech markets.
Future work programs are expected to refine product portfolios, quantify NI 43‑101 mineral resources across multiple pit domains, and align technical development with emerging U.S. critical minerals policy and Project‑Vault‑style strategic mineral reserve initiatives.
