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NSW Resources

High-purity silica project

Unlocking strategic resources for a high-tech future

The Geological Survey of New South Wales (GSNSW) has completed a study into the prospectivty of high-purity silica (HPS) across the state, in support of the NSW Government’s Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy 2024–35. HPS – sourced in silica rich rocks –- is a vital component in technologies driving the global energy transition including solar panels, semiconductors and fibre optics.

Project overview

This study evaluated over 105 known silica deposits and occurrences throughout NSW. A total of 404 geochemical analyses were undertaken, including advanced testing methods optimised to assess high-purity silica. The study focused on identifying geological settings with potential to meet industrial requirements for HPS.

Key findings

  • High purity samples
    Fifty samples exceeded 99.8% SiO2, with the highest purity reaching 99.96%. Ten of these samples also showed extremely low impurity levels (<500 ppm), indicating potential suitability for high-tech applications.
  • Diverse geological settings
    The study identified high purity silica in a diverse range of rock types and formations across the state – including granitic quartz pipes, pegmatites, hydrothermal quartz bodies, and silica-rich sedimentary units.
  • Regions with geological potential
    • New England Orogen – the Kingsgate, Deepwater and Tenterfield districts returned top-tier purity results.
    • Curnamona Province – pegmatites near Broken Hill (Thackaringa, Euriowie) showed promising results.
    • Lachlan Orogen – hydrothermal veins, often associated with a range of metals mineral systems, have potential including at Caloola and Rockley.
    • Cowra Region – sedimentary quartz pebble deposits such as Glenella have high silica contents with low levels of impurities.
  • Exploration opportunities
    Overall NSW is underexplored for HPS and renewed exploration may locate new opportunites with the potential to supply global markets.
  • Strategic industry relevance
    NSW’s HPS potential is closely aligned with the NSW Government’s Critical Minerals and High-Tech Metals Strategy 2024–35 and the growing global demand in solar PV, semiconductors and advanced glass manufacturing. This positions the state as a future supplier in critical mineral value chains.

Conclusion

NSW is considered prospective for HPS in several regions with clear exploration potential for new discoveries. NSW is well placed to supply markets, leveraging the mining and industrial capabilities available, in conjunction with supportive government policy. 

Read the High-purity silica in New South Wales report.