VRX Silica (ASX: VRX) has firmed up the water source for its proposed Arrowsmith Central silica sand operation in Western Australia with the completion of test holes for two water bores.

The two water bores are expected to supply water to the project’s processing plant.

In drilling the test holes, two potential aquifers have been targeted at depths of 30m and 120m.

So-far, geological and geophysical logging of the holes indicate the “good potential” for high flows and quality ground water.

VRX managing director Bruce Maluish said securing quality processing water was a “critical step” in developing Arrowsmith Central.

“Two potential aquifers are being tested and it is interpreted they are part of the plentiful Yarragadee North aquifer and therefore will not affect the superficial aquifer and any groundwater dependant ecosystems,” Mr Maluish explained.

Western Australia’s Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has accepted VRX’s application for 900,000 kilolitres of water.

The 5C licence to take water will be applied for once the bores are constructed and logging and test pumping is complete.

Silica sand projects

Arrowsmith Central is 270km north of Perth and next to the more advanced Arrowsmith North project.

VRX also owns the Muchea and Boyatup silica sands projects in WA.

Across its portfolio, VRX has built up global resources exceeding 1 billion tonnes of 99.6-99.9% grade silica sand.

Silica sand is a finite resource that is undergoing rapid depletion in the Asia Pacific due to increasing demand and global supply shortfalls.

VRX has a staggered development plan for its projects, with Arrowsmith North to come online first followed by Muchea then Arrowsmith Central.

The company has secured mining leases for the three projects along with various miscellaneous licences.

Pending final WA Environmental Protection Authority approval, VRX its targeting construction to begin in January next year at Arrowsmith North.

VRX says the scale of its projects provides for long-term silica sand exports and potential for establishing glass manufacturing and downstream industries in WA.