Silica sand serves a multitude of crucial industrial purposes, with considerable value emerging in high-purity silica for semiconductors and many green technologies crucial for the energy transition.
Often referred to as silica sand or quartz sand, silica is a hard mineral, rich in silicon dioxide (SiO2) with high melting and boiling points. Queensland in Australia has some of the highest quality silica in the world, with an impressive purity level of 99.94%.
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Importantly, the high purity of silica from this region and low iron content of the sand make it ideal for use in the production of solar panel components and lithium silicon anode batteries. For clean energy storage, these technologies are both essential.
Greater supplies of high-purity silica are required to meet growth predictions of solar energy. By 2035, global solar PV electricity generation is predicted to top 9,323.8TWh, rising from 2,201.8TWh in 2024, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14% over the 11-year period analysed by GlobalData. By 2050, the Energy Transition Commission estimates that 26TW-34TW will be required to fulfil requirements for net zero.
Globally, China plays a leading role in the mining and processing of silica and is a major manufacturer of solar modules. Some countries, including the US, have introduced restrictions on sourcing silica from China, citing concerns related to supply chain transparency and regional sourcing practices, particularly in Xinjiang. In addition to these considerations, broader factors such as geopolitical dynamics, energy security priorities, and trade policies have prompted many nations to explore alternative sources.
As these dynamics evolve, the global solar market is likely to experience significant changes in sourcing and manufacturing practices. For example, the Australian Government is working to establish new silica supply chains for domestic solar modules. This was emphasised in a recent report that identified a need to increase production capacity by ten to 12 times to meet the demand of the energy transition.
Now, the high purity and quality of silica from Queensland is positioning the state as an emerging leader in global silica supplies.
Significant silica resources and projects in Queensland
Queensland possesses a series of significant silica projects, with Diatreme Resources a key operator. Diatreme’s flagship project, the Northern Silica Project (NSP), is one of the world’s largest deposits of high-purity silica sands, with a SiO₂ purity greater than 99% – which is critical for the manufacturing of solar panel glass.
“Our deposit is truly world class in terms of its already in-situ quality, which is incredibly pure silica – 99%-plus pure,” Neil McIntyre, CEO of Diatreme Resources. “Even in its natural state, we don’t have to do too much processing to it to get it to what’s referred to as the ‘photovoltaic-grade silica’, which is a low-iron, high-purity silica product that’s used in the manufacture of encompassing glass on solar panels.”
NSP has recently secured ‘Major Project Status’ from the Australian Government and is set to become a leading supplier of high-grade silica products for the global solar PV and specialty glass industry. This means the project is eligible to receive enhanced project support and coordination, as well as assistance to navigate state and territory regulatory approvals. NSP is also a declared Coordinated Project by the Coordinator-General in Queensland.
NSP will supply essential materials for domestic manufacturing of solar panels, silicon wafers, and high-end electronics. According to government sources, the project will produce up to 5Mt of silica sand annually over 25 years, supporting 120 construction jobs and 90 ongoing roles as part of the Major Project Status.
In 2025, Diatreme announced a significant upgrade to the estimated mineral resource at NSP. The measured mineral resource rose to 187.5 million tonnes (Mt), a 278% increase from the initial estimates of 49.5Mt. These revised estimates reinforce NSP’s position as one of the world’s largest deposits of high-purity silica sands. Located 35km north of Hope Vale and 14km west of the Port of Cape Flattery in Far North Queensland, NSP is favourably positioned for Asian markets.
The abundant resources of silica sand in Queensland
Diatreme is also involved with other significant silica projects in Queensland. Cape Flattery Silica Project (CFSP) is strategically located along the eastern coastline of Cape York Peninsula, approximately 220km north of Cairns and 55km from Cooktown. CFSP has been declared a Coordinated Project by the Coordinator-General in Queensland. Currently, CFSP boasts estimated silica sand reserves of 47 million tonnes (Mt). CFSP is located relatively close to other ventures by Diatreme, including the NSP, and the Galalar Silica Sand Project (GSSP).
Situated near Cape Bedford and 20km from Hope Vale, GSSP is primed to responsibly supply the world with high-grade silica sand. While currently paused, GSSP is integral to Diatreme’s long-term vision and is awaiting further development. Tests have confirmed the project’s capacity to produce a world-class silica sand product at 99.9% SiO2, meeting requirements for high-end glass and solar panel manufacturing. In November 2021, a maiden ore reserve estimate was announced of 32Mt, sufficient for 18 years of initial operations at 1.65Mt ore processed per year.
The proximity in Queensland of silica sites offers the advantage of utilising shared infrastructure to enhance operational efficiencies. With the local port owned and operated by Ports North, a Queensland Government corporation, this facilitates logistics operations and creates opportunities for exports.
Environmentally responsible mining of silica sand
Beyond operations and infrastructure, Diatreme takes its environmental stewardship seriously at its sites. The company implements measures such as progressive rehabilitation for any areas disturbed as mining progresses. Diatreme recycles 85% of its water, with any impacts minimised through its processing plants. Chemical use on sites is limited to those similar to types used in regional water supplies.
“In mining terms, it’s a very simple and clean process. We have no tailing stands or any of that sort of stuff. So, it’s low-impact mining. We manage it very carefully,” adds McIntyre. “Post-us mining it within five or ten years, you wouldn’t recognise it as being mined.”
Diatreme operations also emphasise economic and social benefits for local communities, creating jobs and fostering business development within the region – particularly for Indigenous populations. This commitment aligns with broader governmental strategies that recognise the importance of critical minerals in the energy transition.
“Within the regional communities, there are many positive economic benefits – investment and employment,” adds McIntyre. “Regional communities want to understand that a mining company coming in has a genuine commitment to rehabilitation, minimum disturbance, sensitive treatment, particularly in areas of cultural significance. And we agree on all of those matters up front before we turn a sod of soil ”
Queensland’s mining industry and the traceability of materials
Queensland is rich in diverse natural resources and is equipped to become a significant player in the global supply chain for critical minerals. A cornerstone of Queensland’s economy, accounting for nearly 13% of the state’s GDP in the 2023-24 fiscal year, the mining sector directly employs over 60,000 individuals, representing 60% of total mining jobs in Australia. It delivered close to A$13bn in royalties during the same period.
Traceability in the mining sector is critical for ensuring sustainable practices and compliance with regulatory standards. Efforts to enhance traceability include comprehensive mapping initiatives aimed at identifying and assessing the potential of critical minerals. The Resourcing Australia’s Prosperity initiative is a A$3.4bn geoscience initiative, led by Geoscience Australia, providing essential geoscience data to inform exploration and development decisions.
The Queensland Government is committed to fostering growth in the mining sector by improving turnaround times for approvals while maintaining strict environmental regulations. A supportive environment has been designed to encourage new and expanded mining opportunities, enhancing investor confidence and facilitating resource development.
The Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development (NRMMRRD) works closely with the resources industry and other government agencies to assess, negotiate, and advise on Queensland’s resources sector. Additionally, Critical Minerals Queensland (CMQ) is the Queensland Government’s central hub for industry, governments, investors, academia, and the community to engage in critical minerals opportunities.
“We value our relationship with the state government. They’re key to our permitting and approval process. We’ve had a good experience with the regulatory agencies. Our policy is regular engagement, regular briefings, no surprises,” adds McIntyre. “We engage regularly and often, and we find that that makes our planning as effective as possible. But we’ve found all the various arms of government highly supportive.”
The government signals a clear, supportive stance that positions Queensland’s resources sector as a future-proofed powerhouse for critical minerals.
For more information on the opportunities available in critical minerals in Queensland, download the latest document below.
