Sigatoka Project Secures 19.9 Million Tonnes of Construction Sand Resource
Dome Gold Mines reports a substantial 19.9 million tonne construction sand resource at its Sigatoka project, alongside a key board appointment and licence renewal that advance its mining ambitions.
- JORC 2012-compliant 19.9Mt construction sand resource at Kulukulu South
- High silica content sand suitable for concrete and asphalt applications
- Appointment of sand mining expert Peter Hinner to the Board
- Renewal of Sigatoka Special Prospecting Licence SPL1495 until November 2028
- Feasibility study progress and mining lease application underway
A Significant Resource Milestone
Dome Gold Mines Limited (ASX, DME) has taken a major step forward in its Sigatoka iron sand project with the announcement of a comprehensive resource estimate for construction sand at the Kulukulu South area. The independent report by SLR Consulting Pty Ltd, led by expert Rodney Hall Huntley, confirms an estimated 19.9 million tonnes of high-quality construction sand containing detrital magnetite. This resource estimate, prepared in accordance with JORC 2012 principles, highlights the potential for a dual revenue stream from both magnetite concentrate and construction sand.
Quality and Market Potential
The sand deposit exhibits a high silica content ranging between 68% and 72%, with low deleterious fines, making it well suited for concrete and asphalt applications. The report draws parallels between the Sigatoka sands and well-regarded Australian dune systems, underscoring their mechanical robustness and petrographic quality. Given the scarcity of such silica-rich sands in the Pacific Islands region, Dome’s resource could fill a critical supply gap in a market facing global shortages of construction-grade silica sands.
Strategic Board Appointment
In a move that aligns expertise with project needs, Dome has appointed Peter Hinner as a non-executive director. Hinner, who has been instrumental as a consultant managing the Sigatoka Feasibility Study, brings extensive international experience in sand mining operations. His appointment comes as the company advances towards operational readiness, replacing outgoing director Sarah Harvey, who resigned to pursue other career opportunities.
Licence Renewal Secures Future Growth
Further underpinning the project’s development, the Fiji Mineral Resources Department has renewed Dome’s Special Prospecting Licence (SPL1495) for an additional three years, extending tenure to November 2028. This renewal covers areas beyond the initial mining footprint, providing flexibility for future expansion as the company moves closer to production.
Advancing Towards Production
The construction sand resource estimate represents a critical milestone in Dome’s ongoing feasibility study and mining lease application process. The company’s approach to mining involves conventional sand dredging and wet processing to separate magnetite and produce construction-grade silica sands. With the resource now quantified and validated, Dome is well-positioned to capitalize on both industrial mineral and heavy mineral markets in the region.
Bottom Line?
Dome’s expanded resource and strengthened leadership set the stage for unlocking Sigatoka’s full commercial potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the inclusion of construction sand impact the overall project economics and timeline?
- What are the next regulatory hurdles before Dome can commence mining operations at Sigatoka?
- How does Dome plan to position its construction sand product in regional markets facing supply shortages?
