Impact Minerals (ASX:IPT) has stated that the Lake Hope–Salmon Gums region in Western Australia is transforming into a multi-commodity industrial minerals hub following the discovery of substantial sulphate clay deposits.
Recent reconnaissance drilling within tenement E63/2318 has identified high-grade clays containing up to 20% sulphate and 5% potassium.
The findings provide a robust foundation for a dual-stream processing pathway aimed at producing high-value sulphate of potash fertiliser and hydrochloric acid, diversifying the project’s output beyond its existing high purity alumina focus.
Exploration targets for the two identified lake deposits are currently estimated between 3.8 and 4.3 million tonnes of clay, potentially yielding 1.4 to 1.7 million tonnes of contained SOP.
While the figures remain conceptual pending a JORC 2012-compliant mineral resource estimate, initial field observations suggest the broader Salmon Gums Project area may harbour even larger deposits capable of supporting a multi-decadal mining operation.
A scoping study is currently underway to evaluate a baseline production target of 50,000 tonnes of potash annually.
Amidst global volatility and significant reductions in Chinese fertiliser exports, the development of the Salmon Gums hub is increasingly viewed as a vital step in securing Australia's sovereign food security and industrial chemical supply chains.
At the time of reporting, Impact Minerals' share price was $0.060.