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10/03/2025 – 05:00 AM
Vancouver, British Columbia – Silicon Metals Corp. (CSE: SI, FSE: X6U) is making strides in the high-purity quartz arena with the release of preliminary 3D modeling results for its Ptarmigan Project. Announced on October 3, 2025, the company reports a volumetric estimate of approximately 5 million cubic meters (5,000,000 m3) of surface quartzite material. This estimate stems from LiDAR data analysis conducted over the summer, coupled with ground mapping and 3D modeling, pinpointing topographic high ridges composed of high-purity quartzite.
The initial buzz surrounds the purity levels. As previously disclosed on June 4, 2025, samples collected from these ridges exhibited impressive results, testing up to 99.99% SiO2 purity, with an average purity across collected samples of 98.49% SiO2.
The Ptarmigan Project’s landscape, characterized by prominent topographic ridges, was scrutinized using LiDAR, ground mapping, and advanced 3D modeling techniques. In August 2025, geologists conducted ground truthing, mapping geological contacts and structures to refine the 3D model. Industry-standard engineering CAD software, Autodesk Civil3D, was employed to calculate the volume of these topographic features. This software enabled the establishment of quartzite zones based on LiDAR-derived topography and geological mapping, facilitating volume estimates by calculating the material above the surrounding terrain.
In-house laboratory analysis determined the Ptarmigan quartzite density to be approximately 2.6 tonnes per cubic meter (t/m3). This was ascertained through water volume displacement on six representative samples, a methodology within the typical density range for quartzite (2.5 to 2.8 t/m3). However, Silicon Metals emphasizes that this volumetric estimate represents surface material and doesn’t incorporate any subsurface deposits. It’s crucial to note that the potential quantity and grade remain conceptual, with insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource. Further exploration is necessary to delineate the target as a mineral resource compliant with NI 43-101 and CIM Definition Standards.
Screenshot of Ptarmigan 3D model showing the topographic highs of quartzite
Lab Scale Processing Developments
Silicon Metals has also undertaken a preliminary lab-scale processing program, simulating steps required for high-purity product generation: crushing, washing, magnetic separation, sorting, and acid bathing. The company awaits purity analysis results and intends to update the market upon receipt. Notably, this initial processing excludes more advanced upgrading methods like floatation, indicating potential upside for further refinement.
Industry analysts are closely watching Silicon Metals’ progress. The demand for high-purity quartz is increasing, driven by sectors like solar panel manufacturing and high-end electronics. The Ptarmigan Project’s high SiO2 content and potential for large-scale extraction position Silicon Metals favorably in the supply chain, assuming successful resource delineation and cost-effective processing.
The company’s reliance on LiDAR and 3D modeling demonstrates a commitment to modern exploration techniques, potentially decreasing exploration risk and costs. Investors will be keenly interested in the upcoming purity assay results and any subsequent resource estimates. Future exploration programs, including drilling, will be required to convert the conceptual estimate into a measured and indicated resource, a key step in the project’s advancement.
Despite the promising initial results, Silicon Metals faces challenges inherent to the mining sector. These include permitting, environmental regulations, fluctuating commodity prices, and the need for ongoing capital investment. However, the early indicators from the Ptarmigan Project suggest a potentially significant asset in the burgeoning high-purity quartz market.
Raymond Wladichuk, P.Geo., Director and Chief Operating Officer of Silicon Metals Corp., a qualified person as per National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and verified the assay data, and has approved the scientific information in this new release. Mr. Wladichuk is a professional geoscientist registered in British Columbia and Ontario.
Silicon Metals Corp. is currently focused on exploration and development in Canada, primarily in British Columbia and Ontario. The Company’s Maple Birch Project, located approximately 30km south-east of Sudbury, Ontario, is a high purity quartz pegmatite project with a 3,000 tonne per year production permit. The Company also holds an undivided 100% right, title, and interest in the exploration stage and now fully 5-year permitted Ptarmigan Silica Project, located approximately 130km from Prince George, British Columbia. The Company has also acquired an undivided 100% right, title, and interest in both the exploration stage Silica Ridge Silica Project located approximately 70kms southeast from the town of MacKenzie, British Columbia, as well as the exploration stage Longworth Silica Project located approximately 85km East from Prince George, British Columbia.
