Ventnor Resources Ltd (ASX:VRX) has taken another step in its plans to become an exporter of high-quality silica sand by appointing an international sales manager.
The company believes that the appointment of Yoonil Kim will enhance its intention for the primary sales focus area to be the Asia/Pacific region.
Experience in Asian marketing
Mr Kim, who has experience in marketing silica sand, will be based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from where he can easily service the Asian markets.
He was born in South Korea where he completed his education, including degrees in environmental management systems and international trade.
There have been 15 years spent by Mr Kim in the marketing of silica sand to glass manufacturers and foundries in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, Malaysia, Cambodia and China.
Ventnor is confident that this experience will position the company well to engage glass manufacturers, paint manufacturers and foundry clients in eastern Asia.
Projects north of Perth
The company has significant silica sand projects north of Perth in Western Australia.
It has four granted exploration licences and one application pending over the Arrowsmith Silica Sand Project, 270 kilometres north of Perth.
There is also one granted exploration licence and one application pending over the Muchea Silica Sand Project, 50 kilometres north of Perth.
READ: Ventnor Resources reveals maiden JORC resource for Muchea Silica Sands Project
The company recently announced a maiden inferred and indicated resource at Muchea of 191 million tonnes at 99.6% silicon dioxide.
Within this is an indicated resource of 19 million tonnes at 99.7% silica.
At the time, managing director Bruce Maluish said: “This maiden mineral resource estimate has confirmed our belief that the Muchea silica sand prospect is a world-class high-grade deposit, which can be processed to supply almost any grade sand for glassmaking in Asia.
“The company will move quickly into detailed engineering and mining studies to support mining proposals for forwarding to relevant government agencies to commence the approvals process.”
READ: Ventnor Resources reveals substantial maiden silica resource at Arrowsmith North
This estimate followed the declaration in early October of a maiden resource of 193.6 million tonnes at 98% silica at the Arrowsmith North prospect within the Arrowsmith project.
Additional drilling planned at Arrowsmith North will use deeper aircore drill holes and is expected to add substantially to the maiden resource.
Initial test work has confirmed that the silica sand at both projects can be upgraded to glassmaking quality.
Further work is underway on both projects to enable feasibility studies to be completed.