# Silica Mining News

Canonical page: https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news?commodities=silica

Atlas summarizes and classifies mining-industry stories from third-party publishers. Follow each source link for the original reporting.

Results: 12
Returned: 10
Coverage: drill results, resource updates, and metallurgy; primary commodity matching; all time unless dates are supplied.
Commodity: Silica (silica)
Applied filters: {"commodities":["silica"],"commodity_scope":"primary","document_types":["drill_results","resource_update","metallurgy"],"document_type_match":"any"}
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## Homerun Resources Inc. Completes Acquisition of 442.7-Hectare Fazenda Land Package in Santa Maria Eterna, Bahia, Brazil

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/homerun-resources-inc-completes-acquisition-of-442-7-hectare-fazenda-land-packag--39de2478-c207-4c17-aee3-b13187c9e3a6) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/homerun-resources-inc-completes-acquisition-of-442-7-hectare-fazenda-land-packag--39de2478-c207-4c17-aee3-b13187c9e3a6.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-10-21T12:00:00.000Z
- Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-21T12:21:24.716Z
- Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-21T12:21:24.716Z
- Company: Homerun Resources Inc. (HMR.V)
- Original source: [orestocks](https://orestocks.com/company/HMR.V/press-releases/8197171906028447)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.347
- Atlas tags: Resource Update

Homerun Resources Inc. has completed the US$1.1 million acquisition of the 442.7-hectare Fazenda land package in Bahia, Brazil. This acquisition secures direct surface rights adjacent to the company's existing industrial target, supporting its district-scale control strategy in the Santa Maria Eterna silica sand district.

## IND: IND Locks In Pippingarra HPQ Option to 2028

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/ind-ind-locks-in-pippingarra-hpq-option-to-2028--5869d489-a533-4644-9599-a9a81291f267) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/ind-ind-locks-in-pippingarra-hpq-option-to-2028--5869d489-a533-4644-9599-a9a81291f267.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-10-14T21:11:00.000Z
- Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-14T22:38:17.360Z
- Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-14T22:38:17.360Z
- Company: Industrial Minerals Ltd (IND)
- Original source: [asx](https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=pdf&idsId=03152552)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.409
- Atlas tags: Resource Update, Inferred Resource

Industrial Minerals Ltd has extended its option agreement over the Pippingarra Quarry Project in the Pilbara to October 2024. The extension provides a 24-month runway to advance feasibility studies and offtake discussions for its maiden Inferred Mineral Resource of 6.2Mt at 98% SiO₂.

## Meta Critical Minerals Initiates Maiden Drill Program At Table Mountain High-Purity Silica Project, British Columbia

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/meta-critical-minerals-initiates-maiden-drill-program-at-table-mountain-high-pur--2a3242cb-ee4b-41bf-9d98-47a5b3110360) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/meta-critical-minerals-initiates-maiden-drill-program-at-table-mountain-high-pur--2a3242cb-ee4b-41bf-9d98-47a5b3110360.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-10-14T00:00:00.000Z
- Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-19T12:53:13.213Z
- Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-19T12:53:13.213Z
- Company: Meta Critical Minerals Inc. (MTTA)
- Original source: [prospectors_exchange](https://www.metacriticalminerals.com/news/meta-critical-minerals-initiates-maiden-drill-program-at-table-mountain-high-purity-silica-project-british-columbia)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.291
- Atlas tags: Infill Drilling

Meta Critical Minerals has initiated a 1,250-metre maiden diamond drilling program consisting of 24 holes at the Table Mountain Silica Project in British Columbia. The program aims to test the continuity of the Mount Wilson Formation quartzite at depth and provide data for an updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment.

## META CRITICAL MINERALS INITIATES MAIDEN DRILL PROGRAM AT TABLE MOUNTAIN HIGH-PURITY SILICA PROJECT, BRITISH COLUMBIA

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/meta-critical-minerals-initiates-maiden-drill-program-at-table-mountain-high-pur--01a4868f-92cd-4bcc-9b7b-699f4e82df70) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/meta-critical-minerals-initiates-maiden-drill-program-at-table-mountain-high-pur--01a4868f-92cd-4bcc-9b7b-699f4e82df70.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-10-08T07:08:36.000Z
- Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-08T07:33:11.649Z
- Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-08T07:33:11.649Z
- Company: Meta Critical Minerals Inc. (MTTA)
- Original source: [cse](https://webfiles-primary.thecse.com/news_releases/en/5556/1f5c03a0-5b62-4992-8d15-c3dc347a729c)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.218
- Atlas tags: Inferred Resource, Maiden Resource, NI 43-101 Compliant

Meta Critical Minerals has commenced a 1,250-metre maiden diamond drilling program at the Table Mountain Silica Project in British Columbia. The program aims to test the continuity of the Mount Wilson Formation quartzite and provide data for an updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment.

## Meta Critical Minerals Initiates Maiden Drill Program At Table Mountain High-Purity Silica Project, British Columbia

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/meta-critical-minerals-initiates-maiden-drill-program-at-table-mountain-high-pur--d5e72152-0f78-4264-a79e-d3f0f7f6a206) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/meta-critical-minerals-initiates-maiden-drill-program-at-table-mountain-high-pur--d5e72152-0f78-4264-a79e-d3f0f7f6a206.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-10-08T04:01:02.000Z
- Atlas analysis published: 2026-10-08T10:17:42.892Z
- Atlas analysis updated: 2026-10-08T10:17:42.892Z
- Company: Meta Critical Minerals Inc. (MTTA)
- Original source: [jmn](https://www.juniorminingnetwork.com/junior-miner-news/press-releases/3198-cse/mtta/212537-meta-critical-minerals-initiates-maiden-drill-program-at-table-mountain-high-purity-silica-project-british-columbia.html)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.226
- Atlas tags: Inferred Resource, Maiden Resource, NI 43-101 Compliant

Meta Critical Minerals has commenced its maiden diamond drilling program at the Table Mountain Silica Project in British Columbia. The 1,250-metre program aims to test the continuity of the Mount Wilson Formation quartzite and support an updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment.

## VRX: Annual Report to shareholders

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/vrx-annual-report-to-shareholders--f8e5a580-1743-4a7e-a974-10643be1e730) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/vrx-annual-report-to-shareholders--f8e5a580-1743-4a7e-a974-10643be1e730.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-09-24T06:43:00.000Z
- Atlas analysis published: 2026-09-24T07:16:56.818Z
- Atlas analysis updated: 2026-09-24T07:16:56.818Z
- Company: VRX Silica Limited (VRX)
- Original source: [asx](https://www.asx.com.au/asx/v2/statistics/displayAnnouncement.do?display=pdf&idsId=03143485)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.21
- Atlas tags: None

VRX Silica Limited reported a transformational year with significant progress on its Arrowsmith North silica sand project, including securing State environmental, works, and mining approvals, purchasing the adjacent Arramall farm, and signing binding offtake agreements for 960,000 tonnes per annum. An updated BFS confirmed strong financial outcomes with a post-tax ungeared NPV8 of A$179.2 million. The company also received State Government support for a land swap at its Muchea project, increasing high-grade silica sand volume, and completed several equity capital raises. However, the mineral resource and ore reserve estimates remain unchanged from the previous year, and a silica flour program was paused due to unfavorable economics.

## Homerun Resources Inc. Thermal Pre-Treatment with Acid Leaching Produces Plus 4N Silica Sand Supporting Bulk Sample Distribution and Advanced Materials Development

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/homerun-resources-inc-thermal-pre-treatment-with-acid-leaching-produces-plus-4n--3ac68ac5-07a7-41c9-92c5-4273dae3c51f) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/homerun-resources-inc-thermal-pre-treatment-with-acid-leaching-produces-plus-4n--3ac68ac5-07a7-41c9-92c5-4273dae3c51f.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-08-27T12:00:00.000Z
- Atlas analysis published: Unknown date
- Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date
- Company: Homerun Resources Inc. (HMR)
- Original source: [newsfile](https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/311789/Homerun-Resources-Inc.-Thermal-PreTreatment-with-Acid-Leaching-Produces-Plus-4N-Silica-Sand-Supporting-Bulk-Sample-Distribution-and-Advanced-Materials-Development)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.493
- Atlas tags: Mill Route

Homerun Resources has successfully produced +4N (99.99%) purity silica sand through a 2-hour thermal pre-treatment and acid leaching process. The purified material, containing only 81 ppm impurities, has been shipped to prospective customers and research partners for qualification.

## Homerun Resources Inc. Confirms Optimized +4N Purification Plant Pathway and Advances CAPEX Configurations for the SME High-Purity Silica

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/homerun-resources-inc-confirms-optimized-4n-purification-plant-pathway-and-advan--08888473-0c60-41f6-8095-e5b14e4f3245) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/homerun-resources-inc-confirms-optimized-4n-purification-plant-pathway-and-advan--08888473-0c60-41f6-8095-e5b14e4f3245.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-07-09T12:30:00.000Z
- Atlas analysis published: Unknown date
- Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date
- Company: Homerun Resources Inc. (HMR)
- Original source: [tmx](https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/HMR/news/5377111162623311/homerun-resources-inc-confirms-optimized-4n-purification-plant-pathway-and-advan)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.358
- Atlas tags: Mill Route

Homerun Resources has confirmed that calcination followed by acid leaching is the preferred pathway to produce +4N high-purity silica at its Santa Maria Eterna project. The company is now advancing CAPEX studies for two configurations, including a hybrid model that integrates an Enduring Energy Storage system.

## Homerun Resources Inc. Advances Phase 2 of Its Three-Phase Purification Platform

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/homerun-resources-inc-advances-phase-2-of-its-three-phase-purification-platform--133aba0e-9e22-4881-85ae-1cb13da41cf6) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/homerun-resources-inc-advances-phase-2-of-its-three-phase-purification-platform--133aba0e-9e22-4881-85ae-1cb13da41cf6.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-05-28T12:30:00.000Z
- Atlas analysis published: Unknown date
- Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date
- Company: Homerun Resources Inc. (HMR)
- Original source: [tmx](https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/HMR/news/7339224995380927/homerun-resources-inc-advances-phase-2-of-its-three-phase-purification-platform)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.347
- Atlas tags: Bench Scale Only

Homerun Resources has commissioned Dorfner Anzaplan to perform additional chemical leaching test work to optimize the Phase 2 purification route for its Santa Maria Eterna silica project. This optimization step aims to minimize OPEX and streamline operations before finalizing the CAPEX package and process design.

## Homerun Resources Inc. Engages Minerali Industriali Engineering for Engineering and CAPEX Development of a Primary Silica Sand Processing Plant

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/homerun-resources-inc-engages-minerali-industriali-engineering-for-engineering-a--1eb5bace-dfb7-41b7-9775-a86081c3b4b7) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/homerun-resources-inc-engages-minerali-industriali-engineering-for-engineering-a--1eb5bace-dfb7-41b7-9775-a86081c3b4b7.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-05-20T12:30:00.000Z
- Atlas analysis published: Unknown date
- Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date
- Company: Homerun Resources Inc. (HMR)
- Original source: [tmx](https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/HMR/news/6343948434386598/homerun-resources-inc-engages-minerali-industriali-engineering-for-engineering-a)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.37
- Atlas tags: Mill Route

Homerun Resources has engaged Minerali Industriali Engineering (MIE) to design a 350,000 tonnes per year primary silica sand processing plant at its Santa Maria Eterna deposit in Brazil. This Phase 1 project aims to produce +99.9% SiO2 (3N) industrial grade silica to supply both industrial customers and the company's own solar glass manufacturing facility.

# Atlas tag definitions

- **Bonanza Intercept:** Exceptionally high-grade zone, well above the deposit-type norm.
- **True Width Disclosed:** Actual thickness perpendicular to structure is stated, not just downhole length.
- **Step-Out Extension:** Mineralization extended beyond the previously known limit.
- **QA/QC Disclosed:** Release includes QA/QC disclosure — certified lab, QP sign-off, or stated methods (blanks, standards, duplicates).
- **Compositing Transparent:** Cut-off grade and internal dilution rules are clearly stated for reported intervals.
- **Refractory Ore:** Complex mineralogy requiring oxidation or other special processing before recovery.
- **Apparent Width Only:** Interval given as downhole width with no true width or drill orientation — apparent width may overstate true thickness.
- **Stale Data Re-release:** Historical results re-announced with no new assays or reinterpretation — low genuine novelty.
- **No QA/QC Disclosure:** Release does not disclose QA/QC — lab certification, CP/QP sign-off and assay protocols cannot be checked from this document.
- **Metal Equivalent Opaque:** Metal equivalent grade reported without disclosing the price, recovery, or payability assumptions used.
- **Cut-off Undisclosed:** Cut-off grade not disclosed — cannot assess comparability to prior estimates or peers.
- **Deleterious Elements Present:** Penalty elements (arsenic, antimony, etc.) or refractory concerns noted in the release.
- **Infill Drilling:** Confirmatory drilling to raise resource confidence, not new discovery.
- **Nearology Play:** Value premise rests on proximity to a known deposit rather than own results.
- **Measured Resource:** Highest confidence category — tonnage, grade, shape well-established from closely-spaced drilling. Basis for Proven Reserves.
- **Indicated Resource:** Reasonable geological confidence based on adequate drilling; continuity can be assumed. Basis for Probable Reserves.
- **Proven Reserve:** Measured Resource with demonstrated economic viability after applying modifying factors.
- **Probable Reserve:** Indicated Resource with demonstrated economic viability after applying modifying factors.
- **Category Upgrade:** Resource confidence improved — Inferred upgraded to Indicated, or Indicated to Measured. De-risking signal.
- **Tonnage Growth:** Significant tonnage increase (≥15%) vs prior estimate with grade maintained or improved.
- **Grade Improvement:** Average resource grade improved vs prior estimate — better deposit economics.
- **Contained Metal Growth:** True scale improvement — contained metal ounces/tonnes increased vs prior, accounting for both tonnage and grade changes.
- **QP/CP Signed:** Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience.
- **Cut-off Disclosed:** Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison.
- **JORC Compliant:** Resource estimate prepared in compliance with JORC Code (Australia) — high reporting standard.
- **NI 43-101 Compliant:** Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard.
- **Inferred Resource:** Speculative category — limited drilling, geological continuity assumed but not confirmed. Cannot support economic studies alone.
- **All Inferred:** 100% of resource is Inferred category — very early stage, no engineering confidence.
- **Grade Decline:** Average grade dropped >5% vs prior estimate — deposit economics worsening. May indicate high-grading in early drilling.
- **Tonnage Decline:** Resource tonnage decreased vs prior estimate — pit optimization removed marginal material or geological model revised down.
- **Category Downgrade:** Resource confidence decreased — Measured downgraded to Indicated, or Indicated to Inferred. Unusual and concerning.
- **Contained Metal Decline:** Contained metal decreased vs prior despite tonnage growth — grade dilution exceeds volume gain.
- **Dilutive Growth:** Tonnage increased but contained metal flat or down — likely from lower cut-off grade, not geological expansion.
- **Cut-off Lowered:** Cut-off grade significantly reduced vs prior estimate — tonnage growth may be artificial inflation.
- **Cut-off Undisclosed:** Cut-off grade not disclosed — cannot assess comparability to prior estimates or peers.
- **Historical Estimate Only:** Estimate pre-dates or does not comply with current JORC/NI 43-101 standards — requires verification drilling.
- **Stale Estimate:** Effective date is >2 years old — data currency concern, may not reflect current geological understanding.
- **No Contained Metal:** Tonnage and grade reported but contained metal not calculated or disclosed — incomplete reporting.
- **No QP/CP Disclosure:** No Qualified Person or Competent Person named — lower credibility for the estimate. A QP/CP should be a member of a recognized professional association with relevant experience.
- **Maiden Resource:** First formal MRE for the project — establishes baseline but typically exploration-stage with high Inferred component.
- **Resource Update:** Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress.
- **PEA-Supporting:** Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study.
- **PFS-Supporting:** Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component.
- **DFS-Supporting:** Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence.
- **High Recovery:** Recovery at or above the exceptional band for the commodity and processing route.
- **Pilot Scale Complete:** Pilot or demonstration plant testing completed under continuous operation.
- **Free Milling:** Simple, clean ore amenable to standard processing without oxidation.
- **Multi-Domain Tested:** Variability across ore domains (oxide, transition, fresh) has been addressed.
- **Recovery Improving:** Recovery improved versus a like-for-like prior test program on the same domain and route.
- **Low Recovery:** Recovery below the weak band for the commodity and processing route.
- **Bench Scale Only:** Only preliminary bench tests completed — no locked-cycle or pilot work.
- **Refractory Ore:** Complex mineralogy requiring oxidation or other special processing before recovery.
- **Single Domain Only:** Testing limited to one composite or domain — representativeness not established.
- **Recovery Stagnant:** No improvement across multiple test programs on comparable material.
- **Theoretical Recovery Only:** Only theoretical or liberation-derived recovery reported, with no actual test result.
- **Heap Leach Route:** Processing via heap leach — lower CAPEX and OPEX, lower recovery expected.
- **Mill Route:** Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation).
- **Gravity Route:** Gravity separation forms a material part of the flowsheet.
- **POX/BIOX Route:** Pressure or bio-oxidation for refractory ore — high CAPEX and OPEX.
- **Byproduct Commodity:** The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.